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Consensus Decision-making/8 When a proposal seems to be well understood by every. one, and there are no new changes asked for, the facilitator(s) can ask if there are any objections or reservations to it. If there are no objections, there can be a call for consensus. If there are still no objections, then after a moment of silence you have your decision. Once consensus does appear to have been reached, it really helps to have someone repeat the decision to the group so everyone is clear on what has been decided. Difficulties in reaching consensus .: If a decision has been reached, or is on the verge of being reached that you cannot support, there are several ways to ex. press your objections: Non-support (“I don't see the need for this, but I'll go along.") Reservations ("I think this may be a mistake but I can live with it."). Standing aside ("I personally can't do this, but I won't stop others from doing it.") Blocking (“I cannot support this or allow the group to supe port this. It is immoral.” If a decision violates someone's luns damental moral values he/she is obligated to block consensus.) : Withdrawing from the group. Obviously, if many people express non-support or reservations or stand aside or leaves group, it may not be a viable decision even if no one directly blocks it. This is what is known as a "lukewarm" consensus and it is just as desirable as a lukewarm bath. If consensus is blocked and no new consensus can be reached, the group stays with whatever the previous decision was on the subject, or does nothing if that is applicable. Majo philosophical or moral questions that will come up with each affinity group will have to be worked through as soon as the group forms.
