Ground Rules for Meetings Run on a Consensus-Based Process

Purpose:
This document was written for groups who desire to use or are already using a formal consensus process for making decisions. The rules here borrow heavily from the concepts detailed in the manual On Conflict and Consensus, and are a variation on a process document used by an intentional community the author used to live in. These ground rules are flexible and can be changed, modified, reduced, or added to as the group deems necessary for setting policy, decision-making, conflict resolution, or other goals. Note that they do not outline parliamentary procedure for a meeting; they should be used as a basic agreement for behavior within the framework of whichever parliamentary order the group has chosen to use.

If you find this document useful, please let me know by e-mail to <grant at sangfroid dot com>.

1. What consensus means

Each individual can live with the group's decision.

2. The group's well-being is paramount

A concern can block consensus only if it can be demonstrated as being based on a generally-recognized principle, not personal preference; or it must be essential to the group's well-being. Otherwise, stand aside and recognize that you can live with the group's decision (OCAC).

3. Question assumptions

Ask clarifying questions.

4. But assume good faith

We trust that we are all here actively participating in an effort to reach consensus in the group's interest.

5. Speak in turn

Respect others' right to contribute to the discussion and trust that you will be given your time to speak appropriately.

6. Speak only for oneself

Do not speak for others, present or not present. If someone has information, an opinion, or a concern to share, we trust that he or she will speak up. We also respect an individual's choice to remain silent.

7. Relinquish ownership of ideas

Your ideas are gifts to the group, and the group will address, challenge, and improve them.

8. Conflict is desirable

Resolving conflicts, disagreements, and concerns will improve our group process and help us reach our goals.

9. Know the process

It is every individual's responsibility to know, understand, and participate in the organizational documents, procedure manuals, and ground rules that the group has agreed to follow. All the meeting's participants are the meeting's facilitators.

10. And finally, from St. Mick of Stone:

"You can't always get what you want, but if you try sometimes you just might find you get what you need." We will cooperate and negotiate to a win-win consensus, not a win-lose vote.