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Understanding How Consensus Works in Cooperative Groups [Webinar]
December 15, 2021 @ 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM CST
Dec 15 | 1-2pm Eastern
Understanding How Consensus Works in Cooperative Groups
Join Laird Schaub for an introductory webinar geared toward people new to consensus who want to know what proper consensus looks like and what it has to offer so they can make an informed decision about diving deeper.
Consensus is not for everyone, yet offers excellent prospects, if done well, for developing group depth and cohesion—the very thing most crave when building community.
Because success with consensus depends on the group being willing to work with both ideas and relationships at the same time, this interactive session will dive into an exploration of the skills needed for the relationship side of the equation.
In addition to a better understanding of consensus, you’ll leave this webinar with a practical list of communication skills that will enhance the ability of our group to function well, especially when there is disagreement about things that matter.
Key outcomes of this webinar:
- A broad understanding of the basic premises behind consensus and how it operates in a collaborative group
- Some perspective on why working with energy is every bit as important as working with ideas if relationships are to thrive
- The ability to make an informed decision about whether you want to dig deeper into what it takes to do consensus right.
This is a one-hour intro for two 5-week webinars Laird will be teaching in 2022:
- Consensus 101 for Cooperative Groups digs in to whether consensus is right for you and lays out all the basics, including what you’ll need to get off to a solid start.
- Consensus 201 for Cooperative Groups is for groups ready for the next level, where we’ll explore the most common pitfalls and remedies in a consensus process. There will also be time for addressing participants specific concerns.
Meet the Facilitator
Laird Schaub
Laird’s specialty is up-tempo inclusive meetings that engage the full range of human input, teaching groups to work creatively with conflict and diversity—all the while being ruthless about capturing as much product as possible.
Laird lived for four decades at Sandhill Farm, an income-sharing rural community that he helped found. He also helped found the Foundation for Intentional Community, where he served as the main administrator for 28 years.
In 1987, he created a self-insurance fund for healthcare among income-sharing communities called PEACH (Preservation of Equity Accessible for Community Health) that he ran for 22 years. In addition to his expertise in community living, he’s parlayed his passion for good process into a consulting business focused on cooperative group dynamics, styled CANBRIDGE (Consensus And Network Building for Resolving Impasse and Developing Group Effectiveness), since 1987.
Registration
The Online Event Experience
Live Zoom Sessions
Nothing pre-recorded here! When you sign-up for an event with FIC, you’ll have the opportunity to join a live session on Zoom with the event presenter/facilitator and other participants.
Affordable and Accessible
All our events are run on a sliding scale basis. Generous donations cover the costs for low-income attendees. FIC is committed to making our programs accessible to people of all walks of life.
Watch the Recording
You’ll receive the recording of your event to view for up to one month (unless otherwise noted). So don’t worry if you can’t attend a live session. Watch or listen whenever it is convenient for you.
Loved by Community Builders
Teri’s presence, warmth, poise, experience and clarity. I quickly felt at ease and confident that she knew what she was talking about, and could share the material effectively, while also managing the group format. – Jeffrey B
What a beautiful gift to our intentional community builders and leaders! FIC’s programs provide a way for thinking and concerned people to collaborate for solutions to our multitude of global crises. Thank you FIC! – Terri Garcia
I am constantly impressed by the down-to-earth practicality of the FIC workshops combined with the philosophical questions that are so vital for us to explore. I’m grateful for the excellent planning and delivery of the workshops by skilled and inclusive presenters, who create a space that is both welcoming and invites participants to challenge existing ideas and world views. Well done and thank you FIC. – Claire Ogden