1. SIXTH FLORIDA SERVICE SYMPOSIUM Consensus Based Decision-Making
MARCH 12 – 15, 2015
Consensus Based Decision-Making
and Robert’s Rules:
Have I Lost my Voice?

2. Let’s take a Poll How many folks here are involved at the:
Group Level?
Area Level?
Regional Level?
WSC Level?
2) How many use Robert’s Rules?
3) How many use CBDM?
4) How many use a combination or “Hybrid” of both?

3. What about our Traditions, Concepts and Principles?
We as a service body and a fellowship are directed by our Traditions, Concepts and the Spiritual Principles embodied in our program.
What about our Traditions, Concepts and Principles?

4. Through the NA program we learn to live by spiritual principles… Consensus Based Decision-Making is making decisions by using those spiritual principles

5. Tradition 2 states… For our group conscience there is but one ultimate authority – a loving God as he may express himself in our group conscience. Our leaders are but trusted servants; they do not govern.

6. Concept 6 states… Group Conscience is the spiritual means by which we invite a loving God to influence our decisions; and…

7. Concept 7 states… All members of a service body bear substantial responsibility for that body’s Decision and should be allowed to fully participate in its decision-making processes; and…

8. Concept 9 states… All elements of our service structure have the responsibility to carefully consider all viewpoints in their decision making processes.

9. Roberts Rules vs CBDM

10. Robert’s Rules of Order Consensus Decision Making
Competitive, win/lose
Problem-solving, collaborative
Discussion constrained by motion
Multiple concerns and info can be considered
Discussion takes the form of a debate with a win-lose approach.
Discussion involves active listening and sharing information.
Few constraints are placed on the order or frequency of speaking.
Norms limit number of times one asks to speak to ensure that each speaker is fully heard.
Differences resolved by voting on motion.
Differences resolved by discussion. Facilitator identifies areas of agreement and names disagreements to push discussion deeper. 
Chair calls for a vote. 
Facilitator articulates the sense of the discussion, asks if there are other concerns, and proposes a "minute" of the decision.
Winners and losers are identified. Decision belongs to the winners. 
Group as a whole is responsible for the decision, and the decision belongs to the group. 
Chair's vote can determine the decision when votes are tied.
Facilitator can discern if a minority concerns’ warrant a delay in a decision.
Dissenters' perspectives suppressed in majority vote. 
Dissenters' perspectives are embraced and incorporated into decisions.
Consensus as an Alternative to Voting:
Avoids the “tyranny of the majority” that can reduce unity and compromise one’s commitment to any decision.
Emphasizes cooperation and compromise --avoids a competitive, win/lose dichotomy.
For or against the motion vs. community problem solving
Group determines norms
Facilitator’s job is to listen, echo/mirror ideas, suggest how proposal might address concerns
Adds to a group’s effectiveness and unity – decisions belong to the group; we must all agree on a way forward.
Can you list bbwhat spiritual principles ca

11. Wait a minute! What is a hybrid? Isn’t it just one way or the other?

12. What if instead of making a motion, a well thought-out, well defined proposal is made which:

13. IDEA WHAT WHY HOW WHAT IS A PROPOSAL Date and Brief Objective Title:
Specific Objectives:
Rationale:
What is the projected Outcome?
Why is proposal necessary?
Human and Financial Resources Required?
Time Requirements?
 Specific Skillsets Necessary
IDEA
WHAT
WHY
HOW

14. A Common Motion Format Home Group Motion: Motion: Intent: Motioned by:
Seconded by:
Motion outcome: Yes No Abstain
Passed Failed Withdrawn Tabled Amended
Amendment:

15. When a majority of one person (51%) agrees, what about the other 49%?

16. DISCUSSION
LIMITED TO
PROS AND CONS
MOTION / PROPOSAL

17. DISCUSSION DISCUSSION DISCUSSION DISCUSSION DISCUSSION DISCUSSION
TOUCHDOWN
CONSENSUS
ACHIEVED
IDEA

18. The Next Step is Discussion

19. Not those kinds of discussions!

20. PASSES Violates EVENTUALLY WE: COME TO CONSENSUS SEND TO MAKER DROP IT
Proposal
Test for
Consensus
Violates
Tradition
Concept
Principle
PASSES
DISCUSSION
IDEA
WHAT IF
MAYBE
HATE IT
EVENTUALLY WE:
COME TO CONSENSUS SEND TO MAKER DROP IT

21. We Put The Puzzle Together
Through Discussion
and Teamwork
We Put The Puzzle Together
Concept 9 states… All elements of our service structure have the responsibility to carefully consider all viewpoints in their decision making processes.

22. Q & A’s There are no stupid questions Now is the time to ask???
Does anyone have any experience they would like to share concerning either of these?

23. “…as long as the ties that bind us…”