What is Consensus?

Consensus is a process for group decision-making often used by Catholic Worker and other progressive communities. It is a method by which an entire group of people can come to an agreement. The input and ideas of all participants are gathered and synthesized to arrive at a final decision acceptable to all. Through consensus, we are not only working to achieve better solutions, but also to promote the growth of community and trust. 

Downloadable Resources

Pitfalls and Beatitudes of Consenus

Consenus Roles Structures Tools

Consensus-What the Facilitator Does

Consensus-Practice Scenarios for Facilitating

Getting Unstuck – Practice for Groups

Packet on Consensus Decision Making

Links to Other Resources

Great 12-page article with tools for consensus

On Conflict and Consensus: A Handbook on Formal Consensus Decision-making  by C.T. Butler and Amy Rothstein – available free online !

The
 Basics 
of Consensus
 Decision 
Making
 by
 Tim Hartnett

Tree Bressen’s Facilitation Site (our absolute favorite – a veritable library of resources!)

One-pager on Differences in Facilitating Small and Large Groups

Consensus-Oriented Decision Making (book for sale)