Consensus Decision Making Resources

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

Consensus-process1

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)