MINUTES – 5TH MEETING OF THE CONSENSUS COLLECTIVE
OCTOBER 25, 2002
Present: Christine Hall (facilitator), Mary Roy, Suzanne Kryder, Hilary Heyl, Fred Herman, Judith Kidd, Bonnie Kelly (recorder)
Action: We decided to adopt the following modification of Michelle’s statement:
Definition of consensus from Rules for Reaching Consensus: A Modern Approach to Decision Making: "A state of mutual agreement among members of a group where all legitimate concerns of individuals have been addressed to the satisfaction of the group."
Remember:
Discussion: We agreed that a co-facilitation model could provide greater support for facilitators as well as reduce the intensity of projection coming from the group. Possible models include: 1) alternating leadership, perhaps by agenda items, so that one person can rest/observe/participate while the other facilitates and 2) co-leadership which could involve: a) joint facilitation, "working the group together" b) divided roles with a "content" and a "process" person and the "process" person, or vibe-watcher, reflecting positive as well as negative feelings in the group c) divided roles with a facilitator and a recorder, with the recorder taking a more active and assertive part than is customary.
Action: We decided to experiment with co-facilitation in our C2 meetings after Fred and Mary have each had a chance to facilitate one meeting individually.
Bonnie reported that the sangha evaluation of the experimental process tool (pausing between speakers and raising a hand to be recognized by the facilitator) was strongly positive. With 15 people responding, the average degree of support for using the technique in subsequent meetings was 4.3 on a scale of 5. Comments included: Loved it. Good feelings in the room – slowed things down. Really helps with ease and pacing. Facilitated a sense of calmness.
Action: We will continue to use the "pause and recognize" technique in C2 meetings and recommend that we adopt it in membership meetings.
Discussion: NVC is a powerful model that can involve intensely emotional and cathartic responses. Five of us have attended NVC workshops and our reactions ranged from appreciation, enthusiasm, confidence, patience and curiosity to anxiety, exhaustion, ambivalence and skepticism. Concerns: Is NVC too complex and/or emotionally charged to teach in membership meetings? Should we introduce it without asking for the sangha’s consent? Does it further the goals of our group? Hopes: If we take a long view and share the concepts slowly, NVC could be helpful in clarifying our needs (individually and as a group) and deepening our collective confidence and trust.
Action: At the next C2 meeting we will continue our discussion of the NVC model.
Discussion: Is it time to consider opening the group? Concerns: a larger group could be unwieldy, it might be difficult to bring new members up to speed, changing the group composition could break our momentum, a closed group can be seen as exclusive and hurtful, involving additional members in this process could benefit the sangha as a whole. Suggestions: 1) wait another six months to open the group – by then, some of us may be ready to rotate off 2) offer a workshop 3) assess interest in joining the C2 group and then decide what to do.
Action: We will announce on Thursday nights (Judith 10/31, Hilary 11/7, Fred 11/14) that we are considering a one-day workshop in February for sangha members who would like to review and discuss with us what we have learned so far about facilitation and consensus. The workshop could lead to the formation of a second C2 group and/or expansion of our group. Interested? Sign up and we’ll talk with you about time, place, etc.
Christine: pausing between speakers was a good tool, felt conflicted with staying in facilitator role vs. wanting to participate in discussion. Other comments: time pressure because we started late, need for 15-30 socializing time before meeting.
November 22, 2002
3:00 socialize
3:30 - 5:30 meeting
Facilitator: Fred Herman
Recorder: Judith Kidd
Location: Fred’s house at 8505 Estates Dr. NE
From Paseo go north on Ventura (2 lights east of Wyoming)
Turn east on Corona (4th street past Paseo)
8505 is on the southwest corner of Estates and Corona
Agenda: