This document goes through each part of a General Assembly detailing what the facilitators should cover in each section with suggestions for what they might say.
Every facilitator will do things a little differently and explain things in a way that feels comfortable for them, but it is important to also have consistency in the basic rules and procedures. The GA will be fair and facilitation neutral when all participants know and understand the rules and expect them to be the same for each GA.
Facilitators must be neutral, they should not express opinions when they are facilitating. Presenting a proposal would be a conflict of interest for a facilitator. Facilitators should be careful about speaking too much. The role of the facilitator is to keep the conversation going so that the assembly is talking substantively and not talking about talking.
Not all sections will be on the agenda for every meeting. Think of this document as a modular menu. This document is not comprehensive. There are other tools that the facilitator might use at various points in the discussion such as fish bowl, break out groups, etc.
The facilitation group should plan the agenda in advance if possible. Working groups and individuals that want items added to the agenda should contact the FWG prior to the meeting to coordinate.
Notes and explanations are in italics.
Facilitation Team
The first thing we need is to get volunteers to run the meeting. It is important that team members understand their role. Facilitators should be experienced and trained before attempting to lead a GA. All roles should rotate frequently. Pay attention to diversity when fielding volunteers; make sure that there is a balanced representation of all participants in terms of race, gender, sexuality and ethnicity.
Announce the team and ask the GA for support. (The assembly assents to trust the facilitation team to run the meeting according to established consensus procedures, with neutrality, and using their best judgement as to methods and tools.)
__________ and __________ have volunteered to facilitate.
__________ and __________ have volunteered to take stack.
__________ and __________ have volunteered to take notes.
__________ has volunteered to keep time.
__________ has volunteered to be peace keeper.
Do they have your support?
Welcome
It is important to let everyone know why they are gathered and briefly set the tone for the assembly.
Welcome to the General Assembly of Occupy San Francisco! We are a leaderless resistance movement gathering people with a multitude of different experiences and backgrounds. We Are The 99%. We will no longer tolerate the inequality of the system and its corruption by the 1%. We use a consensus process to organize to create a more equal and more just world.
Agenda
The assembly should know what to expect in the meeting. It is best if the agenda is written on a board and displayed so everyone can see. If possible the agenda should be made prior to the meeting, if that hasn’t been done, do it at this point in the meeting, In either case, the assembly can have input at this point, adding or changing items as necessary.
The Structure of this meeting is as follows:
- An Introduction to the Consensus process and an explanation of the Signs we use. (5 min)
- Ice Breaker (3 min)
- Announcements (10 min)
- A Review of Approved Proposals from the previous GA
- Report Backs from Working Groups (20 min)
- Working Group Proposals (20 min)
- Proposal 1 Title – Group
- Proposal 2 Title – Group
- Other Proposals
- Proposal 3 Title – Name
- Discussion of Issues(2-3 of most pressing) (30-60 min)
- Issue 1 Title
- Issue 2 Title
- Close
Explanation of Consensus
If there are many new participants not familiar with the consensus process, it is important to give an explanation of how things work. If everyone knows this already, it can be shortened or skipped. Ask who is new before deciding whether to explain the process.
You run the general assembly: by how you act and what you say. The facilitation team is only trying to help things along. Show respect for each other: don’t interrupt, try and be brief when speaking respecting time limits, and carefully consider how often you speak, because when you are speaking, someone else is not – and we want to hear from everyone.
Please speak for 2 minutes or less if possible. Start with your name.
We use consensus, which is a creative thinking process: ideally, we take an issue, hear a range of ideas and concerns about it, and then try and come up with a proposal that best serves everyone. Consensus values every voice. But for consensus to work, we must also be flexible: That means, you get your say, but it doesn’t necessarily mean, you get your way.
Keep in mind that our aim is to organize as a community to bring about a more just world. When we have different opinions we are not looking to win an argument, we are looking for common ground. A ethic of cooperation is the most important tool for consensus.
Explanation of Signs
We use hand signals to simplify discussions and avoid interruptions.
Sparkle Fingers—I agree
Crossed arms or Downward Fingers —I disagree
Finger point up and down (or cupped ear)—I can’t hear you, speak up, or use a mic.
Rolling hands—Wrap it up, this is a friendly reminder, not an insult.
Fist Pump—Oppressive behavior, someone is being abusive, oppressive, or disrespectful.
If you want to be recognized simply raise your hand. If an urgent matter comes up, please whisper in the ear of the co facilitator who is not currently speaking. Try not to interrupt the flow of the meeting.
Finger point—Point of information. This is for a factual clarification or an answer to a question.
Triangle fingers—Point of process. If there is a serious problem with our process, make this sign and wait to be recognized. Or better, get the attention of a co-facilitator and explain your concern.
When we call for consensus we use these signs
Thumbs up— is consent.
Thumbs sideways— is a stand aside: it means “I’m not in support, but I will not prevent the group from doing this.” You will be asked to briefly voice your objection.
Thumbs down—Block. If you block that means “I have a serious ethical objection to what is being proposed.” You believe it is destructive of the movement, violates our core principals, and you would leave if it were implemented. A block is very serious; you will be asked to explain your reasons for blocking. If possible, you should suggest an amendment to the proposal that would allow you to stand aside or consent.
Sometimes we take a straw pole to test for enthusiasm; raise your hand if you are in favor.
Peoples Mic
If without amplification, people are having trouble hearing, we use the peoples mike. Say, “Mic Check” and we will all repeat what you are saying.
Ice Breakers & Breaks
At the beginning of meeting or if things get tense, you may opt to use one of the following techniques.
Popcorn
Have people shout out words that describe how they are feeling.
Moment of Silence
Take a moment to quietly compose ourselves or meditate on our purpose or our hopes.
The Look
Take a moment to make eye contact with somewhere in the assembly and consider their contribution to our common project. Let feelings of gratitude and empathy for each other arise.
Mini Speak Out
Have new participants talk about what brings them here.
Now we’d like to hear some of you tell us who you are and why you are here. Can we have two new people and two old people volunteer to speak?
Announcements
The assembly will be appreciative if the facilitators are strict about the time limits for announcements so they don’t drag on too long. Remind folks that if complicated or detailed information must be conveyed, written handouts work best. And it is also possible to have people meet up after GA to discuss. We need to reserve the majority of our time for substantive discussions.
If you have an announcement, get on stack (get a stack ticket) now. Remember that announcements should be short – 30 seconds or less. Make sure you include your name, your group, the time, date, and location of the event if applicable and how people can contact you for more information. Also note that announcements can be posted on our web calendar using a form on the website.
Review
To provide continuity, it makes sense to remind the assembly of any important decisions recently made.
The following proposals were passed by consensus at the last meeting:
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
Report Backs
We are now hearing report backs from groups. If your group has a report, get on stack now. Try and keep reports short and include only factual information that is relevant to the whole GA. Proposals from working groups and longer discussions will be later.
Working Group Proposals
Proposals can be time consuming and frustrating. Consider taking up simpler and less controversial proposals first to give the assembly a sense of accomplishment. Keep track of how much time has been allotted for each proposal. When time is up, if the item has not been resolved, as the assembly to contract for a specific amount of additional time and repeat as necessary. If the item is not urgent, consider continuing the discussion at a subsequent meeting.
At this time, we will consider proposals from working groups. If your working group has a proposal, please get on stack now.
(for each proposal)
Please briefly explain the background of this issue and then state the proposal.
[Person explains and proposes]
Does anyone have any questions?
Does anyone have any concerns?
[If there are significant concerns see if there are friendly amendments that the proposer will accept]
[Restate proposal]
[Test for consensus]
Other Proposals
At this time, we will consider proposals the following proposals.
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
Follow the same procedures as above.
Discussion of Issues
(2-3 of most pressing issues) (30-60 min)
Again, keeping time in mind is important. Agree on how much time will be devoted to each topic and contract for more time as necessary. Discussion of issues can take place over the course of several meetings before arriving at consensus on a proposal. Respecting peoples time constraints is an important consideration.
If the discussion items were already on the agenda, proceed to the discussion. Optionally, the assembly can suggest ideas for discussion and then take a poll to select the most pressing issues. The assembly might also be given the opportunity to change the items for discussion at this point.
Since the process of selection is time consuming and tedious, it is best if the facilitation team at least has several well selected topics picked out before the GA starts.
We will now take up two or three of the most pressing issues facing the occupation.
In the consensus process the discussion of issues works like this:
- We introduce and clarify the issue
- Hear thoughts and reactions and concerns
- Search for ideas and solutions
- Weave together a proposal that takes everything into account
- Test for consensus
- Repeat if necessary until we are in agreement
It’s a process. It takes time. We don’t necessarily have to complete it all in one meeting. We can decide to move on to the next issue, and come back to the other one again later.
In the Facilitation group meeting people thought these issues seemed most important:
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
Are there other pressing issues that we should consider discussing instead or in addition?
Divide the allotted time between the issues and ask the assembly for approval. Start with the first issue and ask for someone to briefly frame the discussion. Then take stack and start the discussion. Keep track of time.
Close
It is nice to bring the meeting to a close in some way that acknowledges the work accomplished, the patience, and good will of the participants. If it is not too late, encourage people to connect with each other, continue with informal discussions, meet in working groups, or have a speak out.
Thank you for coming to the GA. If there are those who would like to stay for a speak out, please stay here, and get a new volunteer to facilitate. If there are work groups meeting, please hold up signs so people know where you are meeting.
