Tools for Groups Using Consensus Process:
from the American Peace Test Reclaim the Test Site Handbook '88
- Meeting Procedure:
- Before meeting:
- Choose a facilitator.
- Gather agenda items.
- Delegate responsibilty for each item.
- Divide into reports/decisions/anouncements.
- Bring materials/supplies needed.
- At meeting:
- Connect (game, song, ritual, etc.).
- Check-in/excitement sharing.
- Review agenda items.
- Choose roles (if not already).
- facilitator.
- vibeswatcher (or caretaker).
- notetaker.
- timekeeper.
- Go through agenda.
- easy items first (reports, then decisions).
- Facilitation techniques:
- decision-making process.
- discussion, problem solving tools.
- conflict, stress resolution techniques.
- Announcements.
- Set next meeting.
- Evaluation.
- Closing.
- Role of Facilitator:
- Watches content of meeting.
- May formulate agenda (beforehand).
- Calls on speakers.
- Helps group to:
- clarify issues.
- focus discussion.
- prioritize.
- bring out all viewpoints.
- look for underlying agreement.
- synthesize differences.
- Restates proposals.
- Formalizes decisions.
- Equalize participation.
- draws out quiet people.
- limit talkers.
- Uses facilitation techniques.
- Stays neutral while facilitating.
- Role of Vibeswatcher:
- Watches the process of meeting.
- Senses underlying feelings.
- check body language and tone of voice.
- Stops bad process.
- prevent domineering, guilt trips, interrupting, space-outs, insults.
- Helps resolve conflict.
- Helps work out negative emotions.
- Suggests tools to improve meeting.
- Sets an accepting tone.
- Deals with distractions.
- Problem Solving Tools:
- Brainstorms
- Go-rounds
- Small group discussions
- Pairs/triads
- Feeling sharing
- Fishbowls
- Roleplays
- Participation equalizers
- Evaluations (during and end)
- Visual aids
- Prioritization techniques
- Strategy development
- Conflict Resolution Tools:
- Matching and pacing
- Active listening exercises
- Fishbowls
- Modelling of opposite viewpoints
- Gripes session
- Resentment sharing
- Criticism/self criticism
- Stress Reduction Techniques:
- Feeling sharing
- Singing
- Humor
- Affirmation
- Calm voice
- Deep breathing
- Silence
- Back rubs
- Eye contact
- Breaks, games
- Brainstorm Principles:
In a brainstorm, the group thinks together, like one collective brain.
In and of itself, therefore, it is a good way to appreciate our neural
inter-connectedness and synergy.
- Say whatever occurs to you that is relevant to the question.
- Don't explain or defend your ideas.
- Don't judge or discuss the ideas of others.