This page is to explore how the decision making process within the Elliott family and around Murray Creek can be improved.
Joseph's thoughts
I would like to try out a 'non-authoritarian' / 'inclusive' process. Something which provides visibility to and gathers input from all interested individuals.
I've been just reading a book
which gives lots of examples of successful (10%) and unsuccessful (90%) intentional communities. Most communities use some sort of consensus decision making, but the author stresses that it's critical that members are trained in process. It sounds like naive application of a 'consensus' process can lead to an ineffective process and destructive frustration.
Sociocracy sounds like an interesting evolution from what is generally considered consensus decision-making. An admittedly biased comparison of the two can be found here. I just bought this book about sociocratic principles and methods, which I'm eager to read.
Holly and Conal had training in Sociocracy from John Buck (co-author of the book Joseph linked) and have supporting training materials as well as occasional exchanges with John B. We were very impressed with the ideas and practicality and with the important differences between consent (as in Sociocracy) and consensus.