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| Through The Consensus Council Inc. experience, a “Top 7” list of questions about getting started in consensus building has been developed. These considerations are food for thought. The Council welcomes questions and enjoys discussing possibilities. |
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1.
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How does a typical public policy consensus process begin? |
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 An individual, group of citizens, private or public leader, or group of leaders approaches the Consensus Council. They may be frustrated with the status quo or there may be a desire for a greater level of participation. They believe the issue may be negotiable and wish to work toward a sense of closure, shared direction or forward movement. From here Council facilitators help to custom-design an appropriate consensus building process for the specific situation. |
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Who are typical participants in a public policy consensus process? |
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The Consensus Council designs ensure that all significant interests are represented. The specific representative groups and group size depend on the issue. In public policy dialogue, it is important to include citizens and leaders that have different views. |
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3.
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How can I be a good participant? |
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Consensus building processes require active listening, communication and patience. Activities asked of participants may include being willing to operate by consensus, putting interests and concerns on the table, attending meetings, remaining flexible and being willing to listen to proposal from other parties. It is important to not immediately reject proposals and ideas and instead ask, “Can it be adapted to meet my needs?” |
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4.
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What is the facilitator and staff role in a public policy consensus process? |
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A facilitator and staff serve as impartial third parties and are equally accountable to all participants. They serve as an advocate for the process, help it to move forward and enforce the ground rules established by the group, coordinate and facilitate meetings, keep summaries of meetings, provide research and document drafting that often make an efficient and effective process more likely. |
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5.
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What makes a public policy consensus agreement different from an agreement that is developed in traditional ways? |
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In the traditional political process, one side wins and one side loses. Some issues come back time and again, or an issue may be so contentious that it is never resolved. By contrast, a public policy consensus dialogue is framed, and agreement developed, in a mutually beneficial way by ensuring no issue is off limits. |
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6.
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Do political leaders lose power or legal responsibilities in a public policy consensus process? |
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No, consensus processes provide support for leaders through framing issues and providing opportunities. Consensus building is a tool for use by leaders and citizens. |
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7.
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Whose responsibility is the implementation, once an agreement is reached? |
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Implementation follows the usual path of any public policy agreement. New approaches to implementation may also a result of the creative energy that typifies a public policy consensus process. |
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Four Essential Ingredients to Successful Implementation:
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Horizontal Commitment - Everyone who is responsible makes a joint commitment to action and works to implement parts of agreement they can effect. |
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Clear Assignments - There are clear answers to, “who does what by when.” |
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Early Success and Celebration - Do something, celebrate. Do something, celebrate again! Immediately achievable action steps help to create positive momentum that influences people to stay engaged. |
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Public Attention: For example, a public agreement signing event gives visibility to an achievement for which all parties can take credit together. |
