1	CONSENSUS DECISION MAKING Promoting the Growth of Community
2	What is consensus? A process for group decision-making allowing an entire group of people to reach an agreement acceptable to all. Input and ideas of all participants are gathered and synthesized to arrive at a final decision.
3	Consensus vs. Voting Voting is a means by which we choose one alternative from several. Consensus is a process of synthesizing many diverse elements together.
4	Voting A win or lose model Quantitative rather than qualitative
5	Consensus People work through differences to reach a mutually satisfactory position. All ideas are heard. Each member’s input is valued as part of the solution. Thorough study and discussion are at the heart of the process.
6	Consensus Proposals After thorough study and discussion, a proposal for resolution is put forward. Proposal is amended and modified through more discussion. Proposal might be withdrawn if discussion reaches a dead end. Group members unable to accept the proposal are responsible to put forth alternatives.
7	Rights and Responsibilities The fundamental right of group members is for everyone to be able to express his/her opinion. The fundamental responsibility is to assure others of their right to speak and be heard. Coercion and trade-offs are replaced with creative alternatives and synthesis.
8	Reaching Consensus When a proposal seems to be well understood by everyone, the facilitator asks if any group members have any objections or reservations. If there are no objections, the facilitator calls for consensus. If there are no objections, the proposal stands.
9	More on the Process Once consensus has been reached, a group member repeats the decision to the group to ensure that everyone is clear on what has been decided.
10	Objections… Non-support (“I don’t see the need for this, but I can go along with it.”) Reservations (“I think this may be a mistake, but I can live with it.”) Blocking (“I cannot support this or allow the group to support this.”)
11	Role of the Facilitator Aids the group in defining decisions that need to be made. Helps group through stages of coming to consensus Keeps discussion moving Focuses discussion Ensures everyone has the opportunity to participate Tests to see if consensus has been reached
12	Participation All members should be aware of and involved in the process, and should share their individual expertise in helping to reach a decision. This is especially important when it comes to synthesizing seemingly contradictory positions.
13	We Are All Better Together! Working together in the consensus model gives us the opportunity to share our best thinking !