WG/Facilitation/Proposals

General Assembly Process Proposal - Draft

Introduction    As  it stands, the GA consensus-making process is in danger of evolving  into an overly complex, rigid, majoritarian voting process that leaves little room for quieter voices to be heard. This proposal is an attempt to replace this process with one that makes room for each and every member of the GA to contribute their ideas, while still keeping the GAs running as efficiently as possible. It is inspired by both CT Butler’s Consensus for Cities of 100,000 and the OWS Structure Working Group’s “spokescouncil” proposal.     Proposal    The  process of introductions, working group announcements, and individual  announcements is left unchanged. The following process details how proposals will be considered by the GA.   <span style="font-family: Cambria;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">1. Presentation <span style="font-family: Cambria;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">:   The individual or working group will read aloud their proposal and provide written copies as current guidelines state. <span style="font-family: Cambria; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">2. Clarification <span style="font-family: Cambria;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">:  The floor will be open to the general assembly for anyone to ask questions of clarification and offer points of information. <span style="font-family: Cambria; 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: Cambria;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">3. Small Group Discussion <span style="font-family: Cambria;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">:  The  <span style="font-family: Cambria;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">facilitators will divide the GA into groups of approximately 4 - 8  <span style="font-family: Cambria;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">people. If possible, the presenters will sit among the small groups. These groups will discuss the proposal for about 15 minutes. Groups are encouraged to go around in a circle and allow every member to speak using a “round stack.” Facilitators will be present to help the groups <span style="font-family: Cambria;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">stay focused. The small groups will come to one of the following: <span style="font-family: Cambria;  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: Cambria; 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: Cambria;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">  -  The  <span style="font-family: Cambria;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">group agrees that passing the proposal is in the best interests of  <span style="font-family: Cambria;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">Occupy Boston. They voice objections or concerns raised in their <span style="font-family: Cambria;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">discussion. <span style="font-family: Cambria; 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: Cambria; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">No Consensus  <span style="font-family: Cambria;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">  -  The group is unable to reach consensus on the proposal or any potential amendments.

<span style="font-family: Cambria; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">Amended Consensus  -  The group reaches consensus on the proposal with amendments.. <span style="font-family: Cambria; 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: Cambria;  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: Cambria; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">4. General Assembly Regrouping : <span style="font-family: Cambria;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">Each  <span style="font-family: Cambria;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">small group designates an individual to present their consensus for  <span style="font-family: Cambria;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">them to the GA. These individuals are not decision-makers. They are responsible for presenting the diversity of their group’s views, and can <span style="font-family: Cambria;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">be recalled at any time. <span style="font-family: Cambria; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">  First,  <span style="font-family: Cambria;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">GA will hear from groups that have reached consensus, then, from those  <span style="font-family: Cambria;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">that have not reached consensus, and finally, from those that have an amended consensus. Facilitators will encourage discussion across the groups and can check for consensus if one is apparent. If not, facilitators can call for a return to Small Group Discussions, with the <span style="font-family: Cambria;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">cycle to be repeated as long as the GA requires to reach consensus. <span style="font-family: Cambria; 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: Cambria;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline"> 5. Check for Consensus : <span style="font-family: Cambria;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">Before  <span style="font-family: Cambria;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">moving on to voting, the facilitators will explain and ask for blocks. <span style="font-family: Cambria; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">The rules for blocks remain unchanged; a 75% vote is needed to ensure a block is defense of the community’s principles and 10% is needed to confirm it. If there are no blocks, the facilitators can ask the general <span style="font-family: Cambria;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">assembly for a formal consensus with a show of hands. <span style="font-family: Cambria; 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: Cambria;  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: Cambria;  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: Cambria;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">This  <span style="font-family: Cambria;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">proposal should be considered a working draft and is open to revision. <span style="font-family: Cambria; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">n particular, facilitator roles will need to be revised, and it is suggested that the facilitator introduction be modified to clarify the  <span style="font-family: Cambria;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">following points:  <span style="font-family: Cambria;  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: Cambria; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">The role of the General Assembly is to represent Occupy Boston as a whole and define its relationship with the greater Occupy movement, as well as make important financial and legal decisions related to the movement


 * <span style="font-family: Cambria; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">The <span style="font-family: Cambria;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">g oal of the GA should be to pass any and all proposals presented to it; all members should cooperate to improve them and make them more <span style="font-family: Cambria;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">inclusive of their needs


 * <span style="font-family: Cambria; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">Any <span style="font-family: Cambria;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">proposal presented to the GA does not belong to its proposers, but <span style="font-family: Cambria;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">rather to the GA as a whole. The proposal process is a peaceful, <span style="font-family: Cambria;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">cooperative, and safe environment


 * <span style="font-family: Cambria; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">Proposals (and blocks) should be considered within the context of the community’s stated values and goals.

<span style="font-family: Cambria; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: underline;  vertical-align: baseline">  <span style="font-family: Cambria;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: underline;  vertical-align: baseline"> <span style="font-family: Cambria;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: underline;  vertical-align: baseline">