There must be 50 ways: Participating in democracy #35: Consensus organizing

Many forms of community organizing are paths to participating in democracy; consensus organizing is arguably the most democratic of such forms.

Consensus organizing is, at its best, a deep dive into the essentials of a community, and an elicitive method of honing goals based on identifiable interests expressed by a community (Ohmer & DeMasi, 2009). The consensus organizer helps introduce methods to the community that can reduce polarization, and increase inclusivity, bringing in marginalized groups and seeking evermore equity. Consensus organizing is not mere notification of programs and benefits available to the community, but rather a process of developing prioritized goals that a community decides on together.

Consensus organizing is not an adversarial model of community organizing but rather one that stresses both bonding--that is, enhancing relationships within the community--and bridging--developing relationships between the community and external entities so that all can benefit.

For instance, if a consensus organizer sees an out-group within the community, the organizer seeks ways to bring that out-group into strong community kinship with all others. If, for example, a group home for adults with cognitive development challenges is generally shunned by community members who are uncomfortable around certain people with disabilities, the consensus organizer will work with all parties to create connections that take the folks in as full members of the community--as people who can help and who need help, as people who care and people who need care. Bonding takes effort but is rewarding for everyone. 

Bridging is another way to develop new relationships that can benefit a community. Perhaps a corporation wishes to purchase a warehouse and remodel it into a mini-mall, but many community members do not trust that corporation. A good consensus organizer can develop a process that brings the parties together in dialog to determine with great transparency and strong guarantees that the interests of the community are met well. This may result in a decision by the community to oppose the project, modify it, or accept it. It may result in more community unity in any case, and it may end up being a significant win for both the external party and the community--indeed, it may bring that external party into the community, bridging leading to bonding. 

Consensus organizing tends to result in the parties reducing animosity, grudges, and lingering hostility, and also tends to enhance the value and well-being of the community and community members. It can result in a stronger electorate and more committed citizenry.

Resources

Ohmer, Mary L. & DeMasi, Karen (2009). Consensus organizing: A community development workbook. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.