How do you get your community to agree on decisions?

1 Define the purpose

Before you start making any decisions, you need to clarify the purpose of your community organizing project. What is the problem you are trying to solve, the vision you are trying to achieve, or the change you are trying to create? Having a clear and shared purpose will help you align your community around a common direction, motivate them to get involved, and avoid confusion or conflict later on.

2 Involve your community

One of the key principles of community organizing is to involve your community in every stage of the decision-making process. This means not only informing them about the decisions, but also consulting them, listening to their opinions, and incorporating their feedback. By involving your community, you will build trust, respect, and ownership among your members, as well as tap into their collective wisdom and creativity.

3 Use appropriate methods

When making decisions, the type, complexity, and urgency of the decision will determine which methods should be used to facilitate the process. Voting is a simple and quick way to make decisions based on majority rule, but it may not reflect the preferences or concerns of the minority. Consensus is a more collaborative and inclusive way to make decisions based on agreement among all members, but it may take longer and require more discussion and compromise. Delegation is a way to delegate the decision-making authority to a smaller group or individual who has the expertise, experience, or capacity to make the decision; however, it may reduce the participation and accountability of the larger group. A combination of methods such as brainstorming, ranking, or dot voting may also be used depending on the situation and preferences of your community.

4 Communicate effectively

Communication is essential for any successful decision-making process; you need to communicate clearly and transparently with your community about the purpose, process, and outcomes of the decision, as well as communicate respectfully and constructively with community members. To help in this endeavor, there are several communication skills that can be beneficial, such as active listening, where you pay attention to what others are saying and show empathy. Additionally, assertiveness is important for expressing opinions, feelings, and needs in a confident and respectful way. Negotiation is also key in finding a mutually acceptable solution that meets the needs and interests of both parties without compromising the purpose or values of the decision. Lastly, feedback should be given and received constructively and specifically to improve the decision or process.

5 Evaluate and celebrate

Finally, you need to evaluate and celebrate the decision and the process that led to it. Evaluation means assessing the effectiveness, efficiency, and impact of the decision, as well as identifying the strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement of the process. Celebration means acknowledging and appreciating the efforts, contributions, and achievements of your community members, as well as sharing and learning from the successes and challenges of the decision. By evaluating and celebrating, you will reinforce the positive outcomes, foster learning and growth, and strengthen the relationships and morale of your community.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?