Wiki/GA Facilitation & Consensus

This is a Facilitator Guide on how to manage an OccupyBoston General Assembly and to conduct the consensus process. The Facilitation Working Group is operating with the assumption that it will be presenting a proposal to the General Assembly with all the details for conducting a General Assembly.     GA Facilitator Roles :  Facilitators - 2  Process Aide -1  Stack Aide - 1  Floor Aides - 4+  Site Monitor - 1   Vibe Monitor - 1 (can be combined with Site Manager, if needed)  Clerk - 1  Timekeeper - 1  <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">  <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: bold;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">Opening Announcements <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">


 * 1) <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">Opening Welcome to the General Assembly
 * 2) <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">Define the GA  <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: bold;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">Note <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">: <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">a time and place for OccupyBoston announcements and proposals, to <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">exercise horizontal democracy, to ensure each voice is heard. Remind GA that by following our process we preserve horizontal democracy and set an example for how our world can operate peacefully. You invite the members of the GA to be as non-violent in their communication as we are  <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">in all of our group actions.

<span style="font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">    <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: bold;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">Script <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">- (to be read or paraphrased, at each GA)

<span style="font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: italic;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">Occupy Boston is a non-violent movement that uses a consensus based,non-hierarchical discussion and decision making process. All of us <span style="font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: italic;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">have chosen to use this process, to ensure that all of our voices are heard. Please honor that choice tonight. <span style="font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: italic;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">There are no police here to arrest anyone who breaks this process; we <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: italic;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">are trying to get away from that model. That means the only way we can <span style="font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: italic;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">succeed and be heard is if <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: italic;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: underline;  vertical-align: baseline">every one of us honors each other and <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: italic;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: underline;  vertical-align: baseline">respect the choice that we have made to commit to this process <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: italic;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">... and <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: italic;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">demands that our neighbors do the same. <span style="font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: italic;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline"> <span style="font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: italic;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">As Facilitators, we are here only to help General Assembly as a group follow this process. We cannot enforce anything. We ask that you in <span style="font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: italic;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">the General Assembly work together to honor this process and protect <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: italic;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">our voices. <span style="font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: italic;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline"> <span style="font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: italic;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">What this means is that we are asking all of us to learn and use the hand signs instead of interrupting verbally. We are asking you to know <span style="font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: italic;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">and respect the difference between a point of information or question <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: italic;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">which needs to be answered immediately, and your opinion, which <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: italic;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">belongs on the individual stack so that we can hear you. We are asking <span style="font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: italic;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">you to respect your fellow Occupiers by getting on stack, writing down <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: italic;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">your points if you need help remembering them, and listening to what <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: italic;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">each speaker has to say while you wait your turn to be heard. <span style="font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: italic;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline"> <span style="font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: italic;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">When you see or hear someone violating this process, they are disrespecting our Assembly and our choices. We must understand that <span style="font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: italic;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">they are hurting us all and taking away our voices. Please invite them

<span style="font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: italic;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">to stop, and help us all return to the process. <span style="font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: italic;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline"> <span style="font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: italic;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">Occupy Boston is a movement full of people who want to be heard. In order to do that, someone has to listen. We invite you to set an <span style="font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: italic;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">example for each other and the world tonight and show us all a way to <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: italic;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">communicate that honors all of our voices. <span style="font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: italic;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline"> <span style="font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: italic;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">Can I get a temperature check on this? <span style="font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline"> <li> <span style="font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">Define <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">Working Groups, and invite everyone to find and join a Working Group <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">(or start their own). Check the Calendar and Wiki for times of WG meetings - also see the daily schedule board outside Media tent. <span style="font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: bold;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline"> Note <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">: <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">WGs provide an opportunity to work on solutions to problems, together <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">with other Occupiers; refining a proposal in a Working Group consensus process results in better proposals that are easier for the GA to work <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">on and bring to consensus as a whole. </li> <li> <span style="font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">Invite <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">the community to participate in Facilitation Working Group and announce meeting times: Mon to Fri @ 5:00 PM, Sat & Sun @ 4:00 & <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">location: at Federal Reserve Plaza across Atlantic Avenue from Media Tent, or in South Station by Au Bon Pain. Also announce that the GA & Consensus Guidelines are posted on the Wiki and invite the <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">Assembly to read and comment. </li> <li> <span style="font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">Introduce the evening’s Facilitation Team, or ask them to introduce themselves. </li> <li> <span style="font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">Review the Agenda:
 * 1) <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">Working Group Announcements
 * 2) <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">Camp Announcements
 * 3) <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">Individual Announcements
 * 4) <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">Working Group Proposals
 * 5) <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">Individual Proposals
 * 6) <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">Individual Stack  (Review how Stack works.)  <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: bold;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">Note <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">: <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">Clearly State when each of these 6 stacks will be Opened for groups and individuals to join. Direct people in how to join stack. Invite ALL <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">voices to be heard, especially from under represented and oppressed  <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">members of the 99%. Announce that a progressive stack is implemented.    </li>

<span style="font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: underline;  vertical-align: baseline">AFTER ALL ANNOUNCEMENTS ARE MADE AND BEFORE PROPOSALS BEGIN  
 * 1) <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">Review Hand Signals - <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: italic;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">mention and distribute the handouts  <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: bold;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">Note <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">: Remind people that these signals are used to streamline <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: underline;  vertical-align: baseline">non-violent communication <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">and make it easier for all of us to be heard respectfully. <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">
 * 2) <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">I consent, I like, I feel good about this - hands up fingers wiggling upward
 * 3) <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">I’m neutral, I feel so-so - hands flat with fingers wigging forward
 * 4) <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">I don’t consent, I don’t like, I feel badly about this - hands down, fingers wigging downward
 * 5) <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">Move it along, we hear what you’re saying - roll fists around one another
 * 6) <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">Speak louder - with index finger pointing up, move arm up and down
 * 7) <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">Clarifying Question - put index finger and thumb into ‘c’ shape  <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: bold;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">Note <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">: define that a CQ <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: underline;  vertical-align: baseline">is not <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">an opinion. It must be answerable by the proposer(s)
 * 8) <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">Point of Information - point index finger up  <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: bold;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">Note: <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">define that a POI <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: underline;  vertical-align: baseline">is not <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">an opinion. It is a fact relevant to the topic at hand.
 * 9) <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">Point of Process - place tips of index finger together in horizontal line  <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: bold;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">Note <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">: define that a POP <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: underline;  vertical-align: baseline">is not <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">an opinion, it is a reminder to the Facilitators or Speaker about a point of order
 * 10) <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">Friendly Amendment - “peace” sign
 * 11) <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">Block - crossed arms over head  <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: bold;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">NOTE <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">: <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">Blocks are generally considered to be an extreme measure, only used <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">when a member feels a proposal endangers the organization or its participants and/or the person feels so strongly about her/his position,  <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">s/he will walk away from OccupyBoston.   <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">
 * 12) <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">Timekeeper <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">mentions that s/he will use the “Move It Along” hand signal, ten <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">seconds before time is up and requests that the GA reproduce the hand  <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">signal so the speaker sees it.
 * 13) <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">Move to Agenda
 * 14) <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">Working Group Announcements
 * 15) <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">Camp Announcements
 * 16) <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">Individual Announcements
 * 17) <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">Working Group Proposals
 * 18) <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">Individual Proposals
 * 19) <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">Individual Stack

<span style="font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: bold;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: underline;  vertical-align: baseline">  <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: bold;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">What is Consensus <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">  <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">Consensus <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">is a process of nonviolent conflict resolution. The expression of <span style="font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">concerns and conflicting ideas is considered desirable and important. When a group creates an atmosphere which nurtures and supports disagreement without hostility and fear, it builds a foundation for <span style="font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">stronger, more creative decisions. <span style="font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">  <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: underline;  vertical-align: baseline">DIRECT CONSENSUS


 * 1) <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">Ask the group or individual to state their/her/his proposal.
 * 2) <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">Ask <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">the proposer(s) to stand aside while you direct the Assembly to break <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">into pairs, for three to five minutes, to discuss the proposal and to check in with each other to see if either of them have any of the following issues to declare: clarifying questions, points of information, strong concerns or objections, strong support, and amendments. During this time, floor aides are available to be consulted by the pairs, if needed. After the appointed time is up, start the below <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">process. Explain to the Assembly that the pair person who has the <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">issue, lets her/his pair partner call the facilitator’s attention.

<span style="font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: bold;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">              NOTE <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">:  <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">facilitators to also use the people’s mic so Livestream viewers can  <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">hear clarifying questions, points of information, strong concerns or <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">objections, strong support, and amendments


 * 1) <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">ask if there are any clarifying questions, if so, proposers have the opportunity to answer them,
 * 2) <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">ask if there are any points of information,
 * 3) <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">ask if there are any strong concerns or objections  <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: bold;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">NOTE <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">: <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">during this section (except for part a) there should be no direct <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">responses. People will feel most safe expressing concerns and objections <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">if they know that they will not have to immediately hear rebuttals or ideas. <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">z -  “  <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">before we share concerns, let's remember that in a consensus process, when you share a concern, it becomes a <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: italic;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">group concern. We will all be responsible for making sure the concern is addressed <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">before we vote."  -  ask that concerns & objections be stated with the assumption that the group will attempt to resolve them, <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline"> -  <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">we are only listing concerns or objections, not addressing or resolving them at this time, that opportunity will come later (that is what <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">amendments and the proposer’s consideration of changes are for),
 * 4) <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">ask if there are strong statements of support with the following explanation: - “the statements of support are directed to the proposer(s), not to anyone who stated a strong objection or concern.”
 * 5) <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">ask if there are any amendments to address the expressed concerns and objections.  <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: bold;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">Note <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">: <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">The amendments offered are the response to concerns and objections. <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">Proposers have the opportunity to consider amending their proposal is a way of addressing or resolving concerns and objections. The goal is <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">to keep it non-confrontational and to focus on building solutions <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">together by assuming that every input is a brick in a building and the next input is a brick placed above the foundation all the other bricks <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">already laid.
 * 6) <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">Ask <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">the proposers how much time they (s/he) need to consider whether they <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">will address the concerns and objections, by doing any of the following:
 * 7) <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">explain how any concerns or objections are already addressed,
 * 8) <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">withdraw the proposal,
 * 9) <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">amend the proposal based on concerns & objections,
 * 10) <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">adopt any of the suggested amendments, or
 * 11) <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">keep the proposal as is.

<span style="font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: bold;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">                 Note <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">: if the proposer(s) need 5 or more minutes, start individual stack

<span style="font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">      3. Instruct the proposers to restate the proposal (whether changed or not) <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: bold;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">           NOTE <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">: <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">this is done, even if there are no changes, to allow a refreshed <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">hearing and to make space for people consider again whether they concerns, objections or amendments to offer. Don’t want to move on to <span style="font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">asking for            consensus until it feels as though all of this is expressed. <li> <span style="font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">Repeat steps 2 & 3, a <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: underline;  vertical-align: baseline">second (and final) time <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">:
 * 1) <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">ask for clarifying questions
 * 2) <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">ask for points of information
 * 3) <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">ask for strong objections or concerns
 * 4) <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">ask for statements of support
 * 5) <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">ask for amendments
 * 6) <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">after <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">allowing the proposer(s) time to reflect ask s/he, them to restate the <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">proposal (whether changed or not), unless they, s/he have decided to  <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">table it.    </li>


 * 1) <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">Blocking <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: italic;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">
 * 2) <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">Define a block  <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: bold;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">NOTE <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">: <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">Blocks are generally considered to be an extreme measure, only used <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">when a member feels a proposal “endanger[s] the organization or its participants” (from Wikipedia) and/or the person feels so strongly about <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">her/his position, s/he will walk away from OccupyBoston.  <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: bold;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">NOTE: <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline"> In some models, the phrase “or violate[s] the Mission of the <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">organization" is included in a definition of a Block, at this point in  <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">OccupyBoston’s growth, a Mission Statement does not yet exist.
 * 3) <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">Ask if anyone has a block
 * 4) <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">If anyone has a block, s/he, them states it aloud to the Assembly
 * 5) <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">Ask Assembly if it is a Principled Block (temperature check)
 * 6) <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">if <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">75% of assembly confirm that it’s a vaild block (whether they agree <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">with it, or not), then ask how many people want to support the Block.
 * 7) <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">if 10% of the people support the Block, the proposal is tabled.
 * 8) <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">if less than 10% of the people support the Block, then the proposal can move forward for consent.
 * 9) <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">If not blocked, ask “ <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: underline;  vertical-align: baseline">Is this a proposal you can live with <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">?” and ask for a show of hands.  <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: bold;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">NOTE <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">: <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">Consensus is supposed to be about getting to a decision that everyone <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">can live with. It doesn’t mean everyone agrees, it means they consent. It’s important that we make the distinction between consent (hence, <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">consensus) and agreement.
 * 10) <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">If there is 75% consent, state, “ <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: underline;  vertical-align: baseline">I see consensus, do you see consensus, <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">” i.e., confirm with the Assembly that all see 75% consent, then announce that consensus is reached and the proposal is adopted.
 * 11) <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">(If necessary) if there is not consensus, and the proposal is not blocked, you can move to indirect consensus.

<span style="font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">  <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: underline;  vertical-align: baseline">INDIRECT CONSENSUS <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">- <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">involves mini-presentations and possible break out groups:


 * 1) <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">Ask <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">the GA for 3 people who support the proposal and 3 people who oppose it to each speak for 30 seconds to 2 minutes, alternating the supporters <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">and the opposers.
 * 2) <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">Ask the Proposer(s) to restate the proposal
 * 3) <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">Ask “ <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: underline;  vertical-align: baseline">Is this a proposal you can live with <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">” and ask for a show of hands.
 * 4) <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">If consensus is not reached, instruct assembly to break into small discussion groups for 5 minutes to discuss the proposal.  <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: bold;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">Note <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">: <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">there are different kinds of discussion groups. We can decide to use <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">one or have a menu to choose from based on what the facilitator sees as  <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">most fit
 * 5) <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">Call participants back to assembly and . ..

<li> <span style="font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">Give the Proposer(s) a moment to consider whether they want to:  </li> </ol> <li> <li> <span style="font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">explain how any concerns or objections are already addressed,  </li> <li> <span style="font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">withdraw the proposal,  </li> <li> <span style="font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">amend the proposal based on concerns & objections,  </li> <li> <span style="font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">adopt any of the suggested amendments, or  </li> <li> <span style="font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">keep their proposal as is. </li> </ol></li> </ol> <li> <span style="font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">Instruct the proposers to restate the proposal (whether changed or not). </li> <li> <span style="font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">Define block and ask if there are any blocks. </li> <li> <span style="font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">If not blocked, ask “ <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: underline;  vertical-align: baseline">Is this a proposal you can live with <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">?” and get temperature check   </li> <li> <span style="font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">if <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">consensus is not reached, you can repeat steps 1-8 or send the proposal back to a working group. (if it was made by an individual, the <span style="font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">aindividual should be directed to work with a working group to reform the    <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">proposal.)    </li> </ol>
 * 1) <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">ask if there are any clarifying questions,
 * 2) <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">ask if there are any points of information,
 * 3) <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">ask if there are any strong concerns or objections with the following explanations: - <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">we will allow some silent time, the more challenging the topic, the <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">longer silence we will allow to make room for everyone to think and <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">express, - we are only listing, not addressing or resolving concerns or objections in this moment, that process will come later, - ask that concerns & objections be stated with the assumption that the group will attempt to resolve them
 * 4) <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">ask if theere are statements of support
 * 5) <span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">ask if there are any friendly amendments.