Description
Building United Judgment:
A Handbook for Consensus Decision Making
by The Center for Conflict Resolution
Republished by The Foundation for Intentional Community
A classic introduction to secular consensus, Building United Judgment describes the techniques and skills which groups can apply to make the principles of consensus work effectively. Whether you are new to consensus or a “practiced hand,” whether your group uses consensus in the “classic” form or wants to apply consensus principles to your own decision making structure, this book provides a thorough review of practical methods that can make your efforts work. It is an excellent explanation of what it means to make the switch from voting to consensus, and how to unlock the potential of groups working with the whole person.
Inside you’ll find chapters discussing…
- A Step-by-Step Process
- Attitude and Consensus
- Your Participation in Consensus
- When Agreement Can’t be reached
- Structuring Meetings
- The Role of the Group Facilitator
- Communication Skills
- Working with Emotions
- Conflict and Problem Solving
- Techniques for Group Building
- Adaptations for Special Situations
- Handling Common Problems
124 pages, paperbound, 8.5″x11″ or Digital Download
ISBN: 978-0-9602714-6-7
Authors: Michel Avery, Barbara Streibel, Brian Auvine, Lonnie Weiss
Cover: Paulette Hurdlik
“This is THE consensus process manual, used by many intentional communities around the country. It offers practical advice on working with consensus groups, how to run meetings, dealing with difficult issues and people. The book itself was written by a group of people that used a consensus process to determine the content and coverage. In places the styles of the differing authors vary a little. There are also fascinating notes at the margins and bottoms of pages which illustrate the development of the content of the book. If you have only one consensus book in your library, this is the one to have. If you are a group attempting to use consensus, you will benefit hugely from the practical advice this book has to offer.” — Rob Sandelin, experienced consensus teacher from Sharingwood Cohousing Community
This book is often purchased in companion with Manual for Group Facilitators.
Manual for Group Facilitators is an informal outline detailing useful and effective techniques to help groups work well. More than a simple “how to,” the manual contains a discussion of the values, dynamics, and common sense behind group process that have been verified by our own experience.
