Albuquerque Vipassana Sangha

Consensus Collective Minutes
June 2002 Meeting

1. Suzanne K. reported that Michelle Goodman said the Santa Fe Vipassana Sangha has interest in the Collective because they are having similar challenges with the consensus process. Suzanne K. will contact Wynette about putting our readings on the AVS website so that anyone can read them.
2. Mary reported on the all-day sangha meeting at the Zen Center. We discussed the facilitation methods that David Levin used with the group.
3. We compared the theoretical model of consensus (from "Rules for Reaching Consensus" by Saint and Lawson) with our experience of consensus in the sangha recently. Key learnings from this discussion were that we want to:
   1. Have further reflection and discussion on "Who is a member of a consensus meeting?"
   2. Review Suzanne S's Membership Meeting Guidelines as they relate to facilitation of meetings.
   3. Incorporate our practice into consensus meetings through use of the precepts, silence, right speech, mindfulness bell, etc. as determined by each facilitator.
   4. Encourage equal participation of members by describing the behavior of sub-groups: "I'm noticing some people are listening actively while others are speaking frequently. Could we hear from some of those who have been listening?"
   5. Have further discussion on "evaluating group purpose and values."
   6. Incorporate the AVS mission statement in consensus meetings for example on a banner, as part of the agenda or written proposal, or by reading it aloud as determined by each facilitator.
   7. Distribute an evaluation form at the end to get members' feedback about the use of new facilitation techniques used in the meeting. These will be determined in advance by the facilitators.
4. Next meeting will be Friday, July 26th, 1:30 to 3:30 at Bonnie's. Judith will facilitate. Mary will send us readings on the Satir Growth Model. The agenda will include:
   1. Practice applying the steps from Stage 1 of the consensus model using the topic of diversity. (30 minutes)
   2. Discuss Fred's article on the Quaker sense of meeting
   3. Mary will lead a discussion on Satir's Growth Model and present her Temperature Reading technique
   4. Brainstorm ideas on Group Purpose and Value