Cohousing-L Mailing List: Re: selection of leadership (was Borda)

[Sharon Villines (sharon]

On Feb 13, 2008, at 8:59 PM, Lynn Nadeau wrote:

> The group with the most power here is our Steering Committee. As a  
> group of
> 5, it is essential that it be more than the 5 most popular choices.  
> So Borda
> wouldn't do it.

Borda is not limited to 5 choices. It can be any number. You can also  
do a run-off. The number 5 is used as an example because it is clear  
and simple.

> Availability narrows the field fast.

We find the same thing. But the sociocratic method chooses people  
first -- not allowing them to decline until they are selected. Showing  
them that they have the support of the community means that they are  
more likely to serve. Of course, some people do have to decline for  
real reasons, or even personal preference. Doing it this way has  
proven that declining is less likely than if they are asked to "stand  
for election." That is daunting process in and of itself (just ask  
Hillary).

Sharon
----
Sharon Villines
Sociocracy, a Deeper Democracy
http://www.sociocracy.info