<aside> đź““ The following is adapted from Section 2.9 of our bylaws (v. amended 4 March 2013,) and offered here as an overview of our decision making process, until such time as we can write a less formal version of this for the notion format:

</aside>

“Consensus Decision-Making Process” shall mean a process of making decisions, wherein the following steps are taken:

  1. Presentation of a Proposed Decision/Action (10-minute time limit)
  2. Questions Regarding, and Clarification of, the Proposed Decision/Action (10-minute time limit)
  3. General Discussion of the Proposed Decision/Action (30-minute time limit)
  4. Go Around - Each Member Has 5 Minutes (maximum) to Express Their Views
  5. Straw Poll on the Proposed Decision/Action (10-minute time limit)
  6. Stand-Asides and Blocks - Each Member Who has Indicated That They Would Stand- Aside or Block the Proposed Decision/Action Has 5 Minutes (maximum) to Express Their Views
  7. General Discussion of the Proposed Decision/Action as Modified in Light of Views Expressed (30-minute time limit)
  8. Determine Whether Consensus Has Been Reached on the Proposed Action (as Modified) (10-minute time limit)
  9. WITH RESPECT TO A PROPOSED DECISION/ACTION BY THE DIRECTORS, in the event that Consensus is not reached, an action may be taken by the affirmative vote of 75% of the Directors present and voting; provided that the decision to vote is made upon the motion of a Director seconded by two other Directors.
  10. For purposes of this definition of Consensus Decision-Making Process, the following definitions shall apply:
    1. “Block(s)” shall mean a situation in the Consensus Decision-Making Process in which: (i) a Member objects to a proposed decision/action because the Member believes, in good faith, that the decision/action is in conflict with the Cooperative’s mission, values or policies; and (ii) another Member acknowledges, in good faith that the objecting Member’s objection is based on the Cooperative’s mission, values or policies.
    2. “Stand Aside(s)” may be registered by a Member who has a serious personal disagreement, or otherwise is not registering a Block, but does not directly support a proposed decision/action.
    3. “Support” shall mean a term used in the Consensus Decision-Making process for those who agree with and support a proposed decision.
    4. “Facilitator” shall mean a person designated by the Owner Members or the Members to facilitate a meeting of the Owner Members or the Members, respectively. The facilitator helps a group of people understand their common objectives and assists them to achieve them without taking a particular position in the discussion. The Facilitator uses tools to assist the group to address any disagreements that preexist or emerge in the meeting.
    5. “Note-Taker” shall mean a person designated by the Owner Members or the Members, as the case may be, to document the decisions, discussion and action points of a meeting of the Owner Members or the Members, respectively.