WG/Facilitation/Proposals: Difference between revisions

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== <span style="font-size:small">On 110/21/11, members of the Facilitation Working Group consented to the "Priority Process Proposal."&nbsp; On 10/25/11, at a public meeting, attendees amended and consented to the FWG's "Priority Process Proposal."</span>'''<span style="font-size: small"></span>'''<br/> ==
== <span style="font-size:medium">Priority Process Proposal</span><br/> ==
<span style="font-size:11pt;  font-family:Arial;  color:#000000;  background-color:transparent;  font-weight:normal;  font-style:normal;  font-variant:normal;  text-decoration:underline;  vertical-align:baseline"></span><span style="font-size:11pt;  font-family:Arial;  color:#000000;  background-color:transparent;  font-weight:normal;  font-style:italic;  font-variant:normal;  text-decoration:none;  vertical-align:baseline"></span><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">For Occupy Boston proposals to: reflect more voices and broader ownership; strive for an inclusive process; allow the Assembly to be more informed about and better prepared for hearing and voting on proposals; to help Occupy Boston participants plan to attend specific General Assemblies so they can vote on proposals of interest; help those making proposals gain practice presenting; and to better the likelihood of passage; the Facilitator Working Group recommends a Priority Proposal process.</span>
<span style="font-size:medium"><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><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">We strongly encourage everyone to make proposals, particularly those from historically oppressed communities. We think this process helps to ensure that your voice will be heard.</span><br/><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><br/><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">Please note that emergency proposals, e.g., from Safety, Medics, Legal, etc., will continue to get immediate attention.</span><br/><br/><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">We propose the following steps to achieve priority status for your proposal:</span></span>
#<span style="font-size:medium"><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">Decide if you want your proposal to receive priority status at a General Assembly.<br/>Anyone, whether a group or an individual, can make proposals and gain priority status.<br/>Pre-announced, pre-posted, pre-scheduled proposals which have had publicly announced meetings and passed consensus at a public meeting, will be considered prior to other proposals at General Assemblies.<br/>Working Groups and individuals may still bring any proposals to the GA, without submitting to this new process, they simply will not have priority status on the agenda.<br/></span></span>
#<span style="font-size:medium"><span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(36, 36, 36);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">First Steps (at least 4 days prior to presenting at GA):</span></span>
##<span style="font-size:medium"><span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(36, 36, 36);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">post the proposal on the OccupyBoston wiki and make physical copies available at the camp library;</span></span>
##<span style="font-size:medium"><span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(36, 36, 36);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">schedule and post online, the date of the GA at which the proposal will be presented;</span></span>
##<span style="font-size:medium"><span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(36, 36, 36);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">do outreach to all WGs to let them know you have a proposal in the pipeline and would like their input;</span></span>
##<span style="font-size:medium"><span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(36, 36, 36);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">schedule and post online, with 48 hours notice, the date of a public meeting (which must be at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled GA), at which the proposal will be reviewed and taken through the consensus process. (Individuals can host meetings)<br/>(On non-GA evenings, facilitators will be available at the 5pm Facilitators Working Group meeting to assist with all of these steps, including typing your proposal and helping you write, to the best of our ability.)<br/></span></span>
#<span style="font-size:medium"><span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(36, 36, 36);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">Announce at the earliest possible evening GA,</span></span>
##<span style="font-size:medium"><span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(36, 36, 36);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">that you are preparing a proposal,</span></span>
##<span style="font-size:medium"><span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(36, 36, 36);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">the subject of the proposal and that it is posted online,</span></span>
##<span style="font-size:medium"><span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(36, 36, 36);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">the date of the public meeting,</span></span>
##<span style="font-size:medium"><span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(36, 36, 36);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">and the date the proposal will be presented to the GA;<br/></span></span>
#<span style="font-size:medium"><span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(36, 36, 36);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">Conduct a full consensus WG meeting where you</span></span>
##<span style="font-size:medium"><span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(36, 36, 36);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">state the need the proposal is addressing;</span></span>
##<span style="font-size:medium"><span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(36, 36, 36);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">first assess whether the proposal requires consensus at a General Assembly;</span></span>
##<span style="font-size:medium"><span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(36, 36, 36);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">Document all objections and amendments.</span></span>
##<span style="font-size:medium"><span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(36, 36, 36);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">Explain how objections were addressed<br/>(Objections must remain on a public list so that, if the proposal cannot address them and is still consented to, the community knows that there are outstanding concerns/objections to address.)</span></span>
##<span style="font-size:medium"><span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(36, 36, 36);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">Explain whether or why not amendments were adopted.<br/></span></span>
#<span style="font-size:medium"><span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(36, 36, 36);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">If the proposal has passed consensus in the public meeting, present at the pre-scheduled GA;<br/></span></span>
#<span style="font-size:medium"><span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(36, 36, 36);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">If the proposal did not reach consensus at the public working group meeting, post that result online and announce at the next available GA that the proposal will not be presented on the previously scheduled date OR that you will still bring the proposal to the GA, but it will not be given priority status.</span><span style="font-family: Arial;  color: rgb(36, 36, 36);  background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);  font-weight: normal;  font-style: normal;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline"></span></span>
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<span style="font-size:medium"><u>Occupy Boston General Assembly Process Proposal</u><br/></span>
<span style="font-size:medium">'''General Assembly Process Proposal''' - '''Draft'''</span>
 
<span style="font-size:medium">This proposal is intended as a draft for the OB Facilitation Working Group to review, discuss, and reach consensus on a version to be workshopped in at least one public meeting before being presented to the general assembly for consideration.</span>
 
<span style="font-size:medium">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.</span>
 
<span style="font-size:medium">&nbsp;</span>
 
<span style="font-size:medium"><u>General Assembly Process</u></span>
 
<span style="font-size:medium">The process of introductions, working group announcements, and individual announcements are left unchanged and up to the discretion of the OB Facilitation Working Group. This proposal details how proposals will be considered by the GA.</span>


<span style="font-size:medium">1. Presentation&nbsp; -&nbsp; The individual or working groups will read aloud their proposal and provide written copies as current guidelines state.</span>
<span style="font-size:medium"><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" id="internal-source-marker_0.1003827921581989">Introduction</span><br/><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><br/><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">As</span></span><span style="font-size:medium"><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">it stands, the GA consensus-making process is in danger of evolving</span></span><span style="font-size:medium"><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">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 </span><span style="font-family: Cambria;  color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  background-color: transparent;  font-weight: normal;  font-style: italic;  font-variant: normal;  text-decoration: none;  vertical-align: baseline">Consensus for Cities of 100,000</span><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">and the OWS Structure Working Group’s “spokescouncil” proposal.</span><br/><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><br/><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><br/><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">Proposal</span><br/><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><br/><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></span><span style="font-size:medium"><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">process of introductions, working group announcements, and individual&nbsp;</span></span><span style="font-size:medium"><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">announcements is left unchanged. The following process details how&nbsp;</span></span><span style="font-size:medium"><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 will be considered by the GA.</span><br/><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><br/><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></span><span style="font-size:medium"><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">: &nbsp; The individual or working group will read aloud their proposal and provide written copies as current guidelines state.</span></span><span style="font-size:medium"><br/><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></span><span style="font-size:medium"><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">:&nbsp; The floor will be open to the general assembly for anyone to ask questions of clarification and offer points of information.</span></span><br/><span style="font-size:medium"><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><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></span><span style="font-size:medium"><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">:&nbsp; The&nbsp;</span></span><span style="font-size:medium"><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></span><span style="font-size:medium"><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&nbsp;</span></span><span style="font-size:medium"><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></span><span style="font-size:medium"><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></span>


<span style="font-size:medium">2. Clarification&nbsp; -&nbsp; The floor will be open to the general assembly for anyone to ask questions of clarification and offer points of information</span>


<span style="font-size:medium">3. Small Group Discussion&nbsp; -&nbsp; The facilitators will divide the GA into groups of approximately 10 people, depending on the size of the GA. If possible, the facilitators will also divide the group that presented the proposal among the groups. These groups will discuss the proposal as presented for approximately 20 – 30 minutes. Facilitators should monitor the process to ensure that groups stay on focus and that every member has a chance to speak.</span>


<span style="font-size:medium">Consensus&nbsp; -&nbsp; The group agrees that passing the proposal is in the best interests of Occupy Boston. The group has the option of presenting any objections or concerns raised that remain unresolved to be addressed at a later date.</span>
<span style="font-size: medium"><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></span><span style="font-size:medium"><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">&nbsp; -&nbsp; The</span></span><span style="font-size:medium"><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&nbsp;</span></span><span style="font-size:medium"><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></span><span style="font-size:medium"><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></span><span style="font-size:medium"><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></span>


<span style="font-size:medium">Amended Consensus&nbsp; -&nbsp; The group reaches consensus on the proposal with amendments they have agreed upon. The option to register concerns remains.</span>
<span style="font-size: medium"><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></span><span style="font-size: medium"><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">&nbsp; -&nbsp; The group is unable to reach consensus on the proposal or any potential amendments.</span></span>


<span style="font-size:medium">No Consensus&nbsp; -&nbsp; The group fails to reach consensus on the proposal or any potential amendments.</span>
<span style="font-size:medium"><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&nbsp; -&nbsp; The group reaches consensus on the proposal with amendments..</span></span> <span style="font-size:medium"><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><br/><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></span>


<span style="font-size:medium"><br/>4. Regroup&nbsp; -&nbsp; The GA regroups in the “spokescouncil” arrangement. Each small group designates a “spoke” to present their consensus (or lack, thereof), to the GA, with other members groiprd directly behind. Spokes have no authority and are not decision-makers; they are responsible for presenting the diversity of their group’s views, and can be recalled at any time. Facilitators are free to encourage discussion among the spokescouncil and can check for consensus if one is apparent. If not, facilitators can call for a return to Small Group Discussions, with the cycle to be repeated as long as the GA requests.<br/></span>


<span style="font-size:medium">5. Check for Consensus&nbsp; -&nbsp; Before moving on to consensus, the facilitators will explain and ask for blocks. 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 spokescouncil for a formal consensus with a show of hands. The proposal will be shared and publicized as usual, including any registered objections or concerns.</span>


<span style="font-size:medium">&nbsp;</span>
<span style="font-size: medium"><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></span>:<br/><span style="font-size:medium"><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></span><span style="font-size:medium"><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></span><span style="font-size:medium"><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></span><span style="font-size:medium"><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></span><span style="font-size:medium"><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">&nbsp; First,</span></span><span style="font-size:medium"><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></span><span style="font-size:medium"><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></span><span style="font-size:medium"><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><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><br/><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"><br/>5. Check for Consensus</span></span>:<br/><span style="font-size:medium"><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></span><span style="font-size:medium"><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></span><span style="font-size:medium"><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></span><span style="font-size:medium"><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><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><br/><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><br/><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><br/><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></span><span style="font-size:medium"><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></span><span style="font-size:medium"><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></span><span style="font-size:medium"><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><br/><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></span>


<span style="font-size:medium">This proposal should be considered a working draft and is open to revision. In particular, facilitator roles will need to be revised, and it is suggested that the facilitator introduction be modified to clarify the following points:</span>
*<span style="font-size:medium"><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></span>


*<span style="font-size:medium">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>
*<span style="font-size:medium"><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><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><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></span>


*<span style="font-size:medium">The goal 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 inclusive of their needs.</span>
*<span style="font-size:medium"><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><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><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><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></span>


*<span style="font-size:medium">Any proposal presented to the GA does not belong to its proposers, but rather to the GA as a whole. The proposal process is a peaceful, cooperative, and safe environment.</span>
*<span style="font-size:medium"><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></span>


*<span style="font-size:medium">Proposals (and blocks) should be considered within the context of the community’s stated values and goals.</span>
<span style="font-size:medium"><br/><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><br/><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><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></span>

Latest revision as of 14:16, 12 November 2011


General Assembly Process Proposal - Draft

Introduction

As
it stands, the GA consensus-making process is in danger of evolvinginto 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 100,000and 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.

1. Presentation
:   The individual or working group will read aloud their proposal and provide written copies as current guidelines state.
2. Clarification
:  The floor will be open to the general assembly for anyone to ask questions of clarification and offer points of information.
3. Small Group Discussion:  The facilitators will divide the GA into groups of approximately 4 - 8people. 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 stay focused. The small groups will come to one of the following:


Consensus  -  Thegroup agrees that passing the proposal is in the best interests of Occupy Boston. They voice objections or concerns raised in theirdiscussion.

No Consensus  -  The group is unable to reach consensus on the proposal or any potential amendments.

Amended Consensus  -  The group reaches consensus on the proposal with amendments..


4. General Assembly Regrouping:
Eachsmall group designates an individual to present their consensus forthem to the GA. These individuals are not decision-makers. They are responsible for presenting the diversity of their group’s views, and canbe recalled at any time.  First,GA will hear from groups that have reached consensus, then, from thosethat 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 thecycle to be repeated as long as the GA requires to reach consensus.

5. Check for Consensus
:
Beforemoving on to voting, the facilitators will explain and ask for blocks.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 generalassembly for a formal consensus with a show of hands.


This
proposal should be considered a working draft and is open to revision.n particular, facilitator roles will need to be revised, and it is suggested that the facilitator introduction be modified to clarify thefollowing points:

  • 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
  • Theg 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 inclusive of their needs
  • Any proposal presented to the GA does not belong to its proposers, but rather to the GA as a whole. The proposal process is a peaceful, cooperative, and safe environment
  • Proposals (and blocks) should be considered within the context of the community’s stated values and goals.