1. Consensus Based Decision Making
This presentation is intended for RSC weekend only and not a broad presentation given to Areas requesting a CBDM presentation.
The goal of this presentation is to reiterate what is currently written in the Guide to Florida Regional Service (GFRS).
This is not intended to be a debate of how your Areas uses CBDM but a conversation of how the GFRS currently explains the CBDM process.
Should a member find conflicting information within this presentation and like to more clarity or changes to the GFRS, that is a conversation for another time.

2. According to the Guide to Florida Regional Service (GFSR), 2016, Consensus Based Decision Making is defined as:
A cooperative process for making decisions in which everyone in the group consents to the decision of the group.
Not necessarily everyone’s first preference, but true consent.
Decisions should reflect the integrated will of the group as a whole.
Preserves the interest and integrity of all members.

3. A problem-solving orientation for people who wish to work together to determine solutions.
A process for working together to determine the best solution for the group, not, for determining whose ideas are best.
A reasoning process for finding solutions, not engaging in the “okey-doke”.
This will not work unless everyone has respect for the process involved in constructive conflict

4. Diagram of the Consensus Based Decision Making process:NO
YES
Block

5. Consensus Based Decision Making requires:  
Good Will
Honesty
Respect
Willingness
Good Facilitation   
Participation of Decision Makers (RCMs)
Patience
Open-mindedness
Trust
Faith

6. NO
YES
Block

7. Discussion
“The general direction of the group and potential proposals for action are often identified during the discussion.”
“Formation of a Proposal: Based on the discussion, a formal decision on the proposal is presented to the group.”
(Source: GFRS p. 12)

8. Discussion
Once a proposal is formed, it is presented to the group and open discussion of the subject takes place at the Guide to Florida Regional Service Meeting and the Regional Service Conference. It can also occur in your home groups or over coffee.
The topic is discussed with the goal of identifying opinions and information related to the topic.

9. Guide to Florida Regional Service Meeting
Discussion
Guide to Florida Regional Service Meeting
All proposals are presented to the group for discussion.
Discussion on new proposals and/or proposals currently being considered are addressed during these meetings.
“The purpose of the Guide to Florida Regional Service Group is to consider (and discuss) all pending proposals (that impact the Florida Region and its member Areas)…”
(Source: GFRS, pg. 30)

10. NO
YES
Block

11. Proposal
During the 2008 Service Structure Change the Florida Region suggest proposals contain:
Proposal: A description or statement of what is being proposed.
Rationale: Describe the reason for the proposal, what/whom it impacts, applicable benefits, timeline if any, etc.
Spiritual Impact: - A statement that describe the Steps, Traditions or Concepts.
Financial Impact: - Outline the costs and/or savings.
Changes to the Guide to Florida Regional Service: Does this require a change to the GFRS? If Yes, must list page number, original wording and revised wording.
A copy of the proposal is to be given to the FRSC Secretary Team during the Regional Service Conference for publishing in the Regional Minutes.
Spiritual Impact: Describe Steps, Traditions and/or Concepts s proposal supports.
Financial Impact: Proposal’s cost and/or savings.

12. Results will lead Facilitator in next direction.
Proposal
Proposal introduced, author of the proposal speaks.
Test for Consensus is taken on the proposal as it is currently written.
This is a Yes or No poll to find degree of support for the proposal.
Results will lead Facilitator in next direction.
Decision Rule:80/20
Results lead Facilitator in next direction…
If there are any NOs…ask the NOs “what would change your mind to support this proposal?
Define:
Test for Consensus: Votes from RCMs representing their Areas.
Straw Poll: Votes from every addict present.

13. NO
YES
Block
Test for Consensus: Finds degree of support and concerns of those opposed. Proposals are not adopted based solely on a Test for Consensus. For a proposal to be adopted, a Call for Consensus must be taken.
Yes:
Yes majority support, discussions should still take place.
After discussion, a Call for Consensus is done to make proposal official.
No:
Hear from minority voices.
Do a 2nd Test for Consensus.
Modify proposal.
Call for Consensus.

14. Our goal is to reach a consensus on a given proposal
Our goal is to reach a consensus on a given proposal. We measure support or opposition by:
Test for Consensus: Determines degree of support. RCMs vote Yes: They support the proposal. RCMs vote No: They have a concern with the proposal.
Call for Consensus: Each member of the group must actively state their agreement with the proposal or degree of dissent…
(Source: GFRS pg. 12)

15. Test for Consensus < 80% > 80% Support Not Reached
Support Achieved
Hear from minority votes
All members of a service body bear substantial responsibility for that body’s decisions and should be allowed to fully participate in its decision-making processes. (7th Concept)
>80% Support Achieved. Hear from minority so their voice is heard. This does not change the proposal. With approval of the Body, the proposal can be adopted.
<80% Support Not Reached. Ask Minority what will it take for you to support this proposal? More discussion (time limited). Modify the proposal.
Decision Rule:80/20
Results of the Test for Consensus/Straw Poll guides the Facilitator in next direction…
If there are any NOs…ask the NOs “what would change your mind to support this proposal?
Note: The proposal now belongs to this Body.
Once a proposal is presented to the Body, if it doesn’t get 80% support from the Body it is because the Body didn’t like it as it was currently written.
The modifications are the compromise that allows this body to accept the proposal and you the maker of the proposal will have the opportunity to take it back to their Area in its modified form.
Hear from minority votes
More discussion
(time limited)

16. Test for Consensus < 80% > 80% Call for Consensus
Support Not Achieved
> 80%
Support Achieved
Modify Proposal
1. Once proposal is modified, Call for Consensus.
Concerns Raised
Call for Consensus
Call for Consensus

17. True Consensus is not the same as Unanimity.
Call for Consensus
True Consensus is not the same as Unanimity.
Voice of Support:
Assent
Three Degrees of Dissent:
Assent with Reservation
Stand Aside
Block
We must be careful to recognize that real consensus arises out of real communities, engaging in constructive conflict through real tension, as they express their insights with passion and integrity. This is done, yet with respect for hearing others’ point of view.

18. Call for Consensus Assent Assent w/Reservation or Stand Aside
Stand Asides >20%:
Consensus to Weak to Adopt.
Table proposal until next RSC
Block
Consensus achieved.
No further discussion.

19. Assent: This mean that you support the proposal, all things considered.
It does not mean that you are in agreement with every aspect, but that you have heard the discussion, had a chance to participate in the process of finalizing the proposal, and are prepared to support the proposal.
Assent is signified by raising your Area’s table card and remaining silent.

20. There are three degrees of dissent
Assent with Reservation: I have a concern that need to be heard.
Stand Aside: I have a concern, but will not stop the group from moving forward.
Block: I have a serious issue with the proposal based on a Tradition or Concept and will not give my consent.

21. Three Degrees of Dissent
Assent with Reservation: Group members are willing to let a proposal pass but desire to register their concern.
Assent with reservation is not materially different from the assent option, but is a way of giving addicts a place to stand so that there is no need to object more strongly.
The assumption is that the reservation has been heard, and you are simply noting that you can support the proposal and continue to have a reservation.

22. Three Degrees of Dissent
Stand Aside: A stand aside may be registered by a group member who has a “serious personal disagreement” with the proposal but is willing to let the proposal pass.
Stand Aside does not halt a proposal. The concern of group members standing aside is usually addressed by a modification to the proposal.
Those who feel they are incapable of adequately understanding or participating in the proposal should vote Stand Aside.
If >20% of the groups present vote Stand Aside this will indicate a consensus too weak to adopt.
The proposal is either dropped, delegated to the maker, or tabled until the next RSC.
Tabled to the next RSC (Fellowship Development to allow Round Table Discussions and/or Work Group).

23. =/> 80% Yes is needed to support the Block
Three Degrees of Dissent
Block: Should be an extreme rare step taken only when a participant honestly believe a Tradition or Concept is directly violated by the proposal or that some very fundamental moral position of the participant is violated.
The member who Block must be able to articulate which Tradition or Concept is violated.
Once articulated, a Test for Consensus is taken to validate the Block.
Yes you support the Block or No you do not support the Block.
=/> 80% Yes is needed to support the Block
NOTE: It only requires 1 member to register a Block.

24. 80/ 20 Decision Rule True Consensus: 100% Assent
The Decision Rule for the Florida Region is:
80/ 20 Decision Rule
True Consensus: 100% Assent
Consensus Reached: = or > 80%
Too Weak to Adopt: < 80%

25. NO
YES
Block

26. Questions????