Cohousing-L Mailing List: new consensus resources

[Tree Bressen (tree]

Hi folks,

I thought some on this list might appreciate knowing about a few new 
resources.


First off, i've added a new pair of items to my website:

Handling Inappropriate Blocks in a Consensus Process
http://treegroup.info/topics/A11-inappropriate_blocks.html

The Importance of Nurturing Dissent in a Consensus Process
http://treegroup.info/topics/A12-nurturing_dissent.html


Second, there are two new short books out there on consensus.  The first 
one is targeted toward nonprofits and corporations, while the second one is 
aimed at political activists.  I've read #1 and think it's pretty good (a 
lot better than the first edition was, after various of us sent him 
suggestions for improvement).  I haven't read #2 yet.

1) Consensus Through Conversation: How to Achieve High-Commitment 
Decisions.  Larry Dressler, published by Berrett-Koehler, 2006. 
http://www.bkconnection.com/ProdDetails.asp?ID=9781576754191&PG=1&Type=BL&PCS=BKP

2) Consensus: A New Handbook for Grassroots Social, Political and 
Environmental Groups.  Peter Gelderloos, published by See Sharp Press, 2006.
http://www.seesharppress.com/books1.html#consensus


Third, for those of you who have interest in approaches to whole systems 
change, the new (vastly larger) edition of The Change Handbook is just 
coming out from Berrett-Koehler.  It includes a few pages on consensus 
penned by yours truly, along with chapters on 60 other methodologies, such 
as Appreciative Inquiry, World Café, Open Space Technology, Future Search, 
etc.  I know of no other resource that combines so many approaches in one 
place, with guidance as to the applications of each.  The information in 
the book is not enough to go out and use the method, but it's enough for 
you to figure out what methods you want to pursue further.  For more info 
see the B-K website at: 
http://www.bkconnection.com/ProdDetails.asp?ID=9781576753798&PG=1&Type=BL&PCS=BKP. 



Cheers,

--Tree



-----------------------------------------------

Tree Bressen
1680 Walnut St.
Eugene, OR 97403
(541) 484-1156
tree [at] ic.org
http://www.treegroup.info