Well, here I am again. I applaud you, Kevin, for bringing up this subject. Now for what you expect from me. 1. Let's look at some definitions because the various articles you referenced in this letter and the other one seem to use the words differently and I think sometimes incorrectly: Vote : a usually formal expression of opinion or will in response to a proposed decision; especially : one given as an indication of approval or disapproval of a proposal, motion, or candidate for office Consensus: An opinion or position reached by a group as a whole: "Among political women . . . there is a clear consensus about the problems women candidates have traditionally faced" Democracy: Government by the people, exercised either directly or through elected representatives. 2. A political or social unit that has such a government. 3. The common people Pure Democracy: A democracy in which the power to govern lies directly in the hands of the people rather than being exercised through their representatives.... 2. Of the three articles you reference below I would look only at the third one. Take it with the one you reference in your other letter and you cover consensus pretty well, although I hold for this one some of the reservations I had for the other. The other two articles have a number of problems that I won't go into unless someone wants me to do so. 3. As I said in the other letter there are several ways to make decisions - 1) Autonomous - an individual makes a decision alone without the need to consult anyone; 2) Consult - an individual makes a decision alone but must consult designated others first; 3) Group - a group must make the decision - one thing you have to determine is the appropriate membership for the group. All the conversation about consensus, voting, etc. has only to do with this category of decision. I have material on how to choose among these three methods as well as how others may or may not participate in both the decision and the activity involved. Given this point, I would go slowly on using the three methods and definitions in your letter. The topic is more complex than they indicate, but it is not difficult to understand. Hey, you get off easy this time - I am not going on for two or three pages. Any questions about what I have said or how to dig further into this whole topic are welcome [remember there is no such thing as a dumb question]. Be well, Don _____ From: eekosmembers-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:eekosmembers-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Kevin Ison Sent: Thursday, March 22, 2007 3:32 AM To: Members email list Subject: [eekosmembers] Decision making - Elders, majority decision, concensus or a combination ( Oscar - I think that this is important you all to discuss in Gambia and I suggest that you print the three web pages on the link below and discuss this at a future meeting.) Now that the guys in Gambia are getting the tools to start drilling bores, I thought it might be a time to bring up the decisions making as they will need some advice and guidance as they do more work and start to get income. It is also important for the future policy of eekos in general. Don pointed out to me in one of his letters that this is important to discuss and it certainly is. Here is basics - Many decisions need to be made in business. They need to be made for the good of the company and the people in it. There are three ways mainly to do this, elders, consensus or voting (majority). 1/ - Elders decision making is decision making by a group of elders who represent the wisdom and knowledge and person of the community. 2/ - Majority is simple vote on a matter that needs deciding and the majority decision wins. 3/ - Consensus is the continual discussion and change until a decision have been made that all are happy with. Here is some background information; 1/ - Decisions by a leader or group of leaders (or elders) http://www.ic.org/pnp/cdir/2000/22decision.php 2/ - Majority decision making; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Majority_rule 3/ - Consensus decision making; http://www.spunk.org/texts/consensu/sp000761.html I believe that eekos and our agencies will not go firmly with one, but will use a combination of these when needed and what is appropriate to the community surrounding the agency. Don may be able to assist here. This is an important issue and will be discussed many times in the future I believe. For the record, I go for consensus decision making with elders mentoring us. Kev ======================================================= Here is some more detailed information - Oscar you do not need to print this out unless you think the others will want it. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Consensus_decision-making <http://www.eekos.com/email_logo.gif> Kevin Ison eekos Limited The Old Hackfall Grewelthorpe HG4 3BW Company Number - 5504935 www.eekos.com