Decision by Consensus

We in the Sonora Cohousing Community are dedicated to consensus, which means making decisions by the united consent of all. In consensus, the group encourages the sharing of all viewpoints held by those with interest in a topic. These viewpoints are then discussed in a spirit of respect and mutual accommodation. New ideas arise and proposals are synthesized, until a 'sense of the meeting' emerges. The process can be aided by a facilitator.

Consensus is evolving and creative. The central idea is that everyone has a piece of the answer. Consideration of all opinions provides a more rounded, informed view of the issue, leading to a better decision. A decision created and supported by everyone will avoid resentment, division, and efforts to undermine it. This does not require that everyone be in complete agreement, but only that everyone can accept the decision.

Consensus does not necessarily give everyone an equal voice in all issues. some people know more or care more about an issue, so their views may carry greater weight. If a proposal does not reflect your viewpoint after adequate discussion, the Color Coded Cards (Section B-7) give you a variety of options to express your feelings at a a call for consensus.

Consensus is our community's preferred way to make decisions. A decision is deemed important if it meets one or more of the following criteria: 1. impacts every member of the community, e.g. determining monthly assessment. 2. requires broad support for implementation, e.g. establishing a pet policy. 3. is viewed as important by a significant number of members, e.g. changes in how our Common House is used. 4. has serious financial implications, e.g. replacing stove in Common House. Decision of lesser consequence, such as the surface of the tennis courts, the color of tile in the Common House, or the varieties of tomatoes planted in the Common Garden, can be delegated to a committee or task force, or dealt with in some other expeditious manner by the Group.

THE GUIDELINES

1. Better decision may take longer in the short run, but the time is a wise investment. In the interest of efficiency, before you speak, consider whether your statement is on topic and constructive. If someone else has said it, you can simply express agreement. When you speak, be brief and to the point - and say it only once. Trust that you have been heard.
2.  Be aware of how often you speak. Of course, some people will at time have more to offer. Still, you may have to restrain yourself from speaking too often, to avoid dominating. Or, if you're quiet, you may need to push yourself to speak up.
3. Seek out differences of opinion. They are natural and expected. Disagreements are opportunities to find new information or options. Create the most acceptable solution for all members.
4. Look for the logic behind emotional outbursts, and the emotions behind logic. Gently uncover underlying attitudes and goals. Be alert for and point out disrupters of healthy group process such as interruptions, put downs, wandering off topic, dominating, side conversations, etc. Each participant 'owns' the meeting, and shares with the facilitator the privilege and responsibility of helping it run smoothly and fairly.
5. While waiting for your turn to speak, give your complete attention to the speaker rather than preparing your response. Rephrasing and summarizing are helpful. Feeling heard and understood frees the speaker to let go and listen willingly to others.
6. In a call for consensus, support proposals you can accept or live with, and reserve your power to block decisions for those issues you feel most strongly about. A blocking vote should reflect your belief about what is best for the group as a whole. Reserve your power to block decisions for those issues you feel most strongly about BECAUSE OF THEIR POTENTIAL TO DO SERIOUS HARM TO THE MISSION AND GOALS OF THE COMMUNITY.

Consensus makes special demands on all. You must respect and trust each other. You must have a sense of common searching, rather than wanting to 'win'. You must be sensitive and open to each other's ideas and feelings, and honestly try to accommodate them. Finally, you must be dedicated to the good of the group as well as your own needs. Following these guidelines, consensus can energize, unify and succeed beyond your expectations!

DECISION MAKING STRUCTURES

CONSENSUS CRITERIA

After full discussion at a meeting where a substantial number of the resident households are present, the facilitator or other member may call for consensus using the color-coded card system listen in sub-section II(B)(7). Upon showing the colored cards, the lack of a red card shall constitute consensus, except that if any orange cards are present, the group with the help of a facilitator will decide whether consensus has been reached. It may be useful to take a straw poll at some point in the discussion to see if anybody feels the need to block or stand aside with reservations. Once consensus is reached, the facilitator should verbally acknowledge the fact to the group.

Decisions Delegated to Committee

A decision may be delegated to committee by consensus of the group.