Usually done best verbally

These are some possibilities for verbal communication.

- Specific to General and General to Specific

- Pat (possibility action team)

- Non-controversial essence

- Possibility

- Exploring Purpose

>> Specific to General and General to Specific

The purpose is to discover what the group has in common.

Important that each person use “I” language, says what works and or does not work for self

Process:

person puts out proposal

Do a go around to see how that does and does not work for people

If it does work for everyone, anyone can propose a more specific proposal. If that does not work, then return to previous proposal.

If it does not work for someone, return to previous more general proposal or anyone can propose a more general proposal.

>> Pat (possibility action team)

2 or more people, work together on proposal, write up details of proposal, receive responses from house members, then adjust proposal

Instead of waiting for a house meeting to deal with an issue, a smaller group can meet to seek a solution.

They can talk to those who really oppose and those who really want it, then seek find a way to address as many concerns as full as possible.

>> Non-Controversial Essence

(concept from Miki Kashton, non violent communication trainer)

The intention is to discover what everyone has in common, seek what the group can agree to.

When there is disagreement, go more general.

This is seeking to set guidelines for creating proposal by saying the proposal must address or acknowledge these things.

Once you find out what everyone is willing to agree to, write this down. This is the standard for approving or not approving a proposal.

This shifts the focus from I want, my way to what is the group seeking.

This clarifies the difference between what the group wants and how to get it. This clarifies the difference between goals and strategies.

>> Possibility

This is about exploring possibilities, otherwise called brain storming. Allow people’s imagination to flow without worrying about “reality”.

There is no evaluating if it is practical or effective. Assume whatever person proposes is possible.

The only questions to ask are clarifying questions. The purpose of clarifying questions is to get clarity around what the person is proposing.

The process is a person presents a proposal. Other people ask clarifying questions. The person presenting the proposal is the only person answering the questions.

>> Exploring Purpose:

Why am I seeking this ?

What is the universe / life calling me to do ?

What is the universe / life calling the group to do ?

How do I seek to care for all beings ?

All Beings includes others and me. Sometime people forget to consider themselves or others. Both are needed for the solution to work.