DEEP DEMOCRACY What is it? Deep democracy is a process based on the principle of inclusion.

It is an effective way to facilitate group decisions and conflict resolution on important issues because it allows minority voices to be heard and respected. It believes that the minority is a positive influence, not a negative one. Decisions include both the majority opinion and the minority concerns. It helps people to stay in relationship even when there is disagreement. How do we do it? There are 4 steps and each one is an important part of the process. There needs to be a desire in the group to hear and respect different viewpoints. Remember that silence is never consent, and may indicate an unwillingness to take part. DO THIS WHEN YOU HAVE ENOUGH TIME TO DEAL WITH IMPORTANT ISSUES. IT IS NOT APPROPRIATE FOR EMERGENCY SITUATIONS. Step One Determine the will of the Group Find out what the issues are Take a majority vote Look for the no or minority vote Who doesnt agree? Step Two Search for the No Find out what those who voted no are saying & why they are saying it Help them to express it dont shut them down, listen to and respect their views Step Three Spread the role of the No Encourage the no to come out Is there anyone else who thinks or feels like this? Listen to those people What can the group learn from these viewpoints? Step Four Include the no in the decision Add the minority view to the majority view What would it take for the minority to come along? Gain agreement on what the minority needs Bring in deeper understanding of the minority (where is the grain of truth) Summarise the decision and clearly set out the provisos. References: Accelerating Performance. Sunny Stout Rostron. Kogan Page. 2002Sitting in the Fire. Arnold Mindell. Lao Tse Press. 1995