All decisions of the Working Committee will be made by consensus. Consensus decision making relies on three premises: (1) all points of view have merit, (2) due consideration of all opinions on a question produces the best solution and promotes individual growth, and (3) with proper discipline, consensus decision making achieves optimal group cooperation. Consensus does not require agreement; consensus simply requires that a group not act until its members have achieved an understanding which each person involved in a particular decision accepts as the decision of the group. If an individual has serious reservations concerning a proposal but does not want to block formal consensus, he or she can register a formal opposition to the proposal; formal consensus is achieved without that individual’ s assent.
Atopted February 26, 1988