Consensus decision-making is a group decision-making process in which all present must agree before action is taken.  It’s based on the belief that everyone has a piece of the truth.  The intention is that each person in a meeting is given the time and space to speak their truth, and is listened to with respect.  If done correctly, this method can help to spread power throughout the whole group, and is the method chosen most often by contemporary community founders. (Creating a Life Together, Diana Leafe Christian, page 56). 

The object of consensus is that everyone can buy into the decision.  Everyone can unify behind it.  It’s not “unanimity”.  It’s not necessarily everyone’s first choice, but everyone can live with it.  (Handout “Consensus Decision-Making Basics” by Diana Leafe Christian).

Steps in Consensus:
 Presentation of issue or proposal
 Clarification
 Broad open discussion
 Identification of concerns
Grouping of concerns
Clarification of each concern
Call for consensus 

Sociocracy is a form of consensual decision-making process and structure with 4 rules or Governing Principles. 

Sociocratic business and organizations set policy by consent and use a governance structure in which each person in the organization is appropriately engaged in making and evaluation the policies that affect their domain of responsibility.  Working in self-organizing, semi-autonomous circles, they6 decide how they will meet the aims of their organization most effectively.  This creates more effective, productive, and harmonious organizations …”

The Four Governing Principles of Sociocracy
1. Consent governs policy decision-making. Consent means there are no argued and paramount objections to a proposed decision.
2. Circles are the primary governance unit. Circles are semi-autonomous and self-organizing within their domain. They make policy decisions; set aims; delegate the functions of leading, doing, and measuring to their own members; and maintain their own memory system and program of ongoing development.
3. Circles are connected by a double-link consisting of the functional leader elected by the next higher circle, and two or more representatives elected by the circle, all of whom participate fully in both circles.
4. People are elected to functions and tasks by consent after open discussion. 

*Whichever  Form Of Consensual Decision-Making A Group Chooses, The Group Will Need Training And Practice Because Of The Habits Instilled By “Majority Rule Voting”

DIVERSITY

The concept encompasses acceptance and respect. It means understanding that each individual is unique, and recognizing our individual differences.  These can be along the dimensions of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, physical abilities, religious beliefs, political beliefs, or other ideologies.  It is the exploration of these differences in a safe, positive, and nurturing environment.   It is about understanding each other and moving beyond simple tolerance to embracing and celebrating the rich dimensions of diversity contained within each individual.  (The Diversity Initiatives Project at the University of Oregon, 1999). 

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The following is taken from Definition of Diversity, Iowa State University College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

"Diversity" means more than just acknowledging and/or tolerating difference. Diversity is a set of conscious practices that involve:

* Understanding and appreciating interdependence of humanity, cultures, and the natural environment.

* Practicing mutual respect for qualities and experiences that are different from our own.

* Understanding that diversity includes not only ways of being but also ways of knowing;

* Recognizing that personal, cultural and institutionalized discrimination creates and sustains privileges for some while creating and sustaining disadvantages for others;

* Building alliances across differences so that we can work together to eradicate all forms of discrimination.

 

 

  
 

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“The Green House is a small intentional community for a group of elders and staff. It is a place that focuses on life, and its heart is found in the relationships that flourish there. A radical departure from traditional skilled nursing homes and assisted living facilities, Green House alters facility size, interior design, staffing patterns, and methods of delivering skilled professional services. Its primary purpose is to serve as a place where elders can receive assistance and support with activities of daily living and clinical care, without the assistance and care becoming the focus of their existence. Developed by Dr. William Thomas and rooted in the tradition of the Eden Alternative, a model for cultural change within nursing facilities, the Green House is intended to de-institutionalize long-term care by eliminating large nursing facilities and creating habilitative, social settings.
Architecture - Warm, Smart, and Green
The Green House is designed to be a home for six to ten elders. It blends architecturally with neighboring homes, includes vibrant outdoor space, and utilizes aesthetically appealing interior features. The first Green Houses were designed by Richard McCarty, The McCarty Company, in Tupelo Mississippi. Richard and Dr. Thomas collaborated to create an environment that would be a home to the elders. The results were houses where each elder has a private room or unit with a private bathroom. Elder's rooms receive high levels of sunlight and are situated around the hearth, an open kitchen and dining area. While adhering to all codes required by regulations, Green Houses look and feel like a home, and contain few medical signposts.
• Warm: Warmth is created by the floor plan, decor, furnishings, and the people.
• Smart: Use of cost effective, smart technology-computers, wireless pagers, electronic ceiling lifts, and adaptive devices.
• Green: Sunlight, plants, and access to outdoor spaces.
Green House Life - It's a Home
Each elder enjoys a private room or unit with a private bath, which they decorate with their own belongings. There is easy access to all areas of the house including the kitchen and laundry, outdoor garden and patio. Safety features are built into the house to minimize injury. The small size of the Green House promotes less use of wheelchairs. The elder is free from the limitations of an institutional schedule and lives a comfortable daily life - sleeping, eating, and engaging in activities as they choose. Meals are prepared in the open kitchen and served at a large dining table where staff, elders and visitors enjoy pleasant dining (called CONVIVIUM). This is characterized by good fresh food, a well-set table often with music and flowers, and good conversation with people who care about one another. Meal times can be over an hour and appetites are good.”

 

 

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