History of The Consensus Council, Inc.
 In 1990, North Dakota's private and public leaders considered significant challenges raised by demographic, economic, and social conditions in the state. This discussion produced the concept of a consensus council, to firmly position North Dakota for an effective future in the central region of North America.
The Consensus Council, Inc., is a private, North Dakota, nonprofit corporation dedicated to the improvement of government structure, services, and policy primarily in North Dakota and the Great Plains (Originally called the “North Dakota Consensus Council, Inc.,” the name was change in 1999 to “The Consensus Council, Inc.” to more accurately reflect its growing regional service presence.)
The Consensus Council provides models that can be adapted to and work to enhance other governing circumstances in the region and throughout the world. This approach helps to bridge the gap between how we think and how we act in public life.
Mission of The Consensus Council, Inc.
The Council connects leaders and citizens to build public policy agreements.
Vision of The Consensus Council, Inc.
Citizens and leaders of this region rely on consensus-building and conflict resolution to address important issues of public and community life.
Values of The Consensus Council, Inc.
The Council contributes a tradition and a model for consensus-building. In this process, we are committed to the following values: |
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We seek cooperative resolution of issues, clearly articulated by leaders, and tested by broad citizen conversation. |
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We actively involve persons from diverse viewpoints, ethnic and cultural backgrounds, ages, life experience, and geographical areas of the state to strengthen the collegial wisdom of the process. |
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We value innovation, welcome new ideas and encourage adaptability to new opportunities, while affirming the wisdom of our tradition. |
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We value the graces of hospitality to encourage conversation and active listening in developing relationships among participants in the consensus-building process. |
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We are committed to fundamental fairness and honesty in providing neutral services to leaders in the consensus-building processes. |
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We support leadership and citizenship. We seek to ensure citizen participation in the process of building and implementing public policy. We seek to support the role of leaders in their institutional memory, and in their ability to see, hear, and interpret the views of citizens on issues of importance to public life. |
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We value the spectrum of political views and are nonpartisan in our services. |
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