Public Issues Dispute Resolution

Principles
Extension Policies Regarding Working with Controversial Public Issues

• Washington State University’s College of Agriculture, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences

10 PRINCIPLES TO BUILD CONSENSUS FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

Consensus building is a powerful and effective decision making and dispute resolution tool. However, like any tool, it must be used with skill for the purposes for which it is intended. Where the process is inappropriately or ineffectively applied, participants could be misled and situations made worse.

Principle 1-Purpose-Driven: People need a reason to participate in the process.

Principle 2-Inclusive, Not Exclusive: All parties with a significant interest in the issues should be involved in the consensus process.

Principle 3-Voluntary Participation: The parties who are affected or interested participate voluntarily.

Principle 4-Self-Design: The parties design the consensus process.

Principle 5-Flexibility: Flexibility should be designed into the process.

Principle 6-Equal Opportunity: All parties have equal access to relevant information and the opportunity to participate effectively throughout the process.

Principle 7-Respect for Diverse Interests: Acceptance of the diverse values, interests, and knowledge of the parties involved in the consensus process is essential.

Principle 8-Accountability: The participants are accountable both to their constituencies and to the process that they have agreed to establish.

Principle 9-Time Limits: Realistic deadlines are necessary throughout the process.

Principle 10-Implementation: Commitments to implementation and effective monitoring are essential parts of any agreement.

Information used with permission from Building Consensus for a Sustainable Future: Putting Principles into Practice, Gerald Cormick et al, 1996, National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy, Canada. http://laws.justice.gc.ca/en/N-16.4/