CONSENSUS In most variations of consensus, once you reach the decision point there are three possible responses to a proposal: Consensus Decision Making Model Consent: Expressing general agreement, support for and Consensus decision making is a model that fosters group willingness to abide by the proposal. collaboration to generate as much agreement as possible. It offers clear and direct communication enabling all SAC Stand-aside: Expressing significant concerns or members to work together to make a final decision disagreement, along with (perhaps reluctant) willingness for regarding their input to the principal. the group to proceed with the proposal. The consensus process is based on the assumption that Block: Expressing serious concerns that either the proposal every member of the group has a valid perspective that is does not align with group values or would cause a crucial to making good decisions. It requires everyone in catastrophe for the organization. the group to be committed to common goals that are It is essential to make every attempt to not use a block like clearly understood, and to be able to differentiate you would a “no” vote. The sentiment attached to voting between their personal preferences and what will help against a proposal in a voting situation translates to the group achieve its goals. something more akin to standing-aside in a consensus As a decision making process, Consensus decision making setting. Blocks should only be used in extreme aims to be: circumstances, in which the proposal may endanger the organization or its participants, or violate the mission of the Agreement Seeking: A consensus decision making organization. process attempts to help participants reach as much agreement as possible. If a block is used, or if there is an inability to reach consensus, use 9-R SAC Bylaws Article VIII Decision Making Collaborative: Participants contribute to a shared Process and refer to Robert’s Rules of Order. proposal and shape it into a decision that meets the concerns of all group members as much as possible. Cooperative: Participants in the consensus process should strive to reach the best possible decision for the group and all of its members. Egalitarian: All members of a consensus decision making body should be afforded, equal input into the process. All members have the opportunity to present, and amend proposals. Inclusive: As many stakeholders as possible should be involved in the consensus decision-making process. Participatory: The consensus process should actively solicit the input and participation of all decision-makers.
CONSENSUS Consensus Decision Making Model Consensus decision making is a model that fosters group collaboration to generate as much agreement as possible. It offers clear and direct communication enabling all SAC members to work together to make a final decision regarding their input to the principal. The consensus process is based on the assumption that every member of the group has a valid perspective that is crucial to making good decisions. It requires everyone in the group to be committed to common goals that are clearly understood, and to be able to differentiate between their personal preferences and what will help the group achieve its goals. As a decision making process, Consensus decision making aims to be: Agreement Seeking: A consensus decision making process attempts to help participants reach as much agreement as possible. Collaborative: Participants contribute to a shared proposal and shape it into a decision that meets the concerns of all group members as much as possible. Cooperative: Participants in the consensus process should strive to reach the best possible decision for the group and all of its members. Egalitarian: All members of a consensus decision making body should be afforded, equal input into the process. All members have the opportunity to present, and amend proposals. Inclusive: As many stakeholders as possible should be involved in the consensus decision-making process. Participatory: The consensus process should actively solicit the input and participation of all decision-makers. In most variations of consensus, once you reach the decision point there are three possible responses to a proposal: Consent: Expressing general agreement, support for and willingness to abide by the proposal. Stand-aside: Expressing significant concerns or disagreement, along with (perhaps reluctant) willingness for the group to proceed with the proposal. Block: Expressing serious concerns that either the proposal does not align with group values or would cause a catastrophe for the organization. It is essential to make every attempt to not use a block like you would a “no” vote. The sentiment attached to voting against a proposal in a voting situation translates to something more akin to standing-aside in a consensus setting. Blocks should only be used in extreme circumstances, in which the proposal may endanger the organization or its participants, or violate the mission of the organization. If a block is used, or if there is an inability to reach consensus, use 9-R SAC Bylaws Article VIII Decision Making Process and refer to Robert’s Rules of Order.
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