Consensus

We think that people are at their best and most creative when they aren’t trying to compete with eachother or defer to a high leader, but when they work together and have their input valued equally. For these reasons, FreeSkool values consensus and strives to incorporate the input and feelings of all parties affected by decisions when we make them. Unlike in other “democratic” systems of decision-making, consensus works against having winners, losers, presidents or minions. Consensus strives instead to equalize power amongst members and to come up with decisions that all parties are satisfied with. We use consensus because it produces stronger, more creative and more unified groups and movements. By agreeing that we will not move forward with a decision if any one member finds it objectionable, we honour differing viewpoints and are forced to find more imaginative ways of addressing issues. By refusing to compete amongst ourselves, we prevent needless factionalizing and enable more voices to be heard. By sharing responsibilities and roles, we empower each one of us to have the skills necessary to keep the project going.