LibraryScenariosWhen consensus-based groups struggle with actual democracy
Scenario

When consensus-based groups struggle with actual democracy

Our community garden collective makes decisions by consensus which sounds great in theory but in practice means the same few people end up making most choices because others don't want to deal with the lengthy discussions. We're supposed to be egalitarian but we're not really.

Juana
Online
The coach is replying

More people experience this than they realize.

What we've seen

A group committed to shared power is discovering that good intentions don't automatically create equitable participation.

Ideas that help explain it
Worth thinking about

“Where Are You with Atheist and secular identity?”

If this sounds familiar, the Library can help you find the bigger picture.