Then convey the following information to the group.
You may either read the following statement
aloud or say it in your own words, perhaps working from an outline
you have made. In any case, be sure
to cover all of the points made in the statement.
Example of a clerk's opening statement to a group:
In the consensus process at Earlham,
we operate without motions. My role as the clerk is
to draw together the threads of the discussion and
to articulate the sense of that discussion —
where we have agreement and where we have threads that
remain to be considered. I will check in
with the group to verify and modify this description
of where we are.
When we can, we will produce a written
minute of our agreements. If we cannot achieve that
unity this afternoon, we can develop a clear statement
of where we stand in the decision-making
process and we will agree on the next steps we should
take to reach consensus.
It is important that we all consider
the good of the organization and our role in the world as
we approach these conversations, and that we attempt
to place these concerns at the center of our
efforts.
As the convener of this session, my
role is to remain neutral about the issues and solutions,
and about our discussion of them. I will provide guidance
to the group only when it seems
appropriate to make sure we are following consensus-building
practices.
I also want to suggest some ways you can help this process along.
Please speak when I recognize you.
Make an effort to leave a small space of silence around each speaker's words.
Please speak to the group as a whole.
I will try to call on everyone who
wants to speak on a given issue once before recognizing a
request to speak again. We want to make sure everyone
has the opportunity to be heard.
Remember that we have limited time
and many people. Make your point clearly, directly and
as briefly as possible. Focus on offering new insights
and information.
At times, I will summarize what I've
heard. I will try to do so after every 4-5 speakers, or
whenever patterns of thought start to merge. Please
work with me to make sure I have captured
the essence of what has been said, including places
where common threads are emerging and
places where there are differences.
Remember that we are looking for the
decision that is best for the group as a whole and for
our mission as an organization.
Is this manner of proceeding acceptable
to the group? Does anyone have significant
reservations about what I've proposed?
Note: When a clerk presides over a Meeting for Business in the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), he/she also reminds the group that they are gathered in the presence of God and to seek Divine guidance in their deliberations).
©
Quaker Foundations of Leadership, 1999
Earlham
College
Richmond,
IN 47374
USA
Please request permission
to use here.