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(Extracts from the book 'On Conflict and Consensus : A Hand book on Formal Consensus Decision-making' by C.T. Lawrence Butler and Amy Rothstein) Formal Consensus We must learn to live together cooperatively, resolving our conflicts nonviolently and making our decisions consensually, We must learn to value diversity and respect all life, not just on a physical level, but emotionally, intellectually, and spiritu ally. We are all in this together. We believe that it is inherently better to involve every person who is affected by the decision in the decision-making prom cess. This is true for several reasons. The decision would be flect the will of the entire group, not just the leadership. " people who carry out the plans will be more satisfied with this work. Formal Consensus has a clearly defined structure. It to quires a commitment to active cooperation, disciplined speas ing and listening, and respect for the contributions of every member. Likewise, every person has the responsibility to ac tively participate as a creative individual within the structure. Avoidance, denial, and repression of conflict is common during meetings. Therefore, using Formal Consensus might be easy at first. Unresolved conflict from previous experiences could come rushing forth and make the process difficult, 11110 impossible. Practice and discipline, however, will smoothen we process. The benefit of everyone's participation and coopera, tion is worth the struggle it may initially take to ensure that all voices are heard. Conflict While decision-making is as much about conflict as it is about agreement, Formal Consensus works best in an atmo 10
