General Assembly Consensus Process

Here's the consensus process that General Assembly approved last night.  We'll start using it next Wednesday, March 7th.

Issues and Proposals - An issue for dicussion or a proposal is presented by the person who put the item on the agenda.

• Presentation - the person who put the item on the agenda presents the issue
• Turn and Talk - 3 min, initial thoughts on the issue.
• Understanding; questions, facts - stack is open for questions and facts to make sure everyone has the same understanding of the issue.
• Open Discussion - thoughts, opinions, background information, and general debate
• Ideas and Concerns: list and address - how can we address this issue?  what are our goals?  what are our concerns?
• Consensus Test - are we ready to move forward with what's been suggested to address the issue?
  • Other Concerns?
  • Strong Opposition?
  • Stand Asides?
  • Consensus?

If consensus is not reached, or 1/3 or more of the assembly is standing aside, or there is strong opposition to a proposal to address an issue, the assembly may table the proposal until a future meeting.  If a proposal has been tabled once, the assembly may call for consensus among at least 80% [amended from 90%] of participants to move forward over strong opposition.  This is a last resort if there is irreconcilable opposition to a proposal that the rest of the assembly is in favor of moving ahead with, and should not be considered as strong as full consensus of the assembly.