Youth Open House - Groups - Action Tools

Message

From:	msteele1@worldbank.org [ profile ]
Subject:	Week Three Summary
Sent:	Jul 26th, 2007 - 18:20:31

	The discussion this week focused on building a consensus among individuals and organizations with different priorities and goals. In attempting to build consensus, several general practices were identified as important. The importance of communication was a recurring theme, with an emphasis on sharing knowledge and being receptive to the ideas of others. Openness to information and opinions can reveal a clearer picture of the goal towards which everyone is working. While each group needs to identify its fundamentals, or ?deal-breakers,? each group much also acknowledge the value of compromise. Deadlines can provide a catalyst for the negotiation to move forward, allowing for productive discussion and more pointed agendas. Different organizational structures can determine how an organization functions, and an organization based in consensus building and democracy can help bridge the gaps between groups with different agendas. Additionally, mediation could prove valuable to guide the process forward, so discussions stay directed towards the final product. By keeping in mind these tactics, all individuals and organizations involved in the larger group can feel that they have effectively contributed, with a result everyone finds acceptable and beneficial. Julie Cook recommended reviewing further ideas on consensus building from the Conflict Resolution Consortium, found at: http://www.colorado.edu/conflict/peace/treatment/consens.htm Week three summary by Alexia Ash

		Groups Powered by TakingITGlobal