Public Issues Dispute Resolution
Extension Policies Regarding Working with Controversial Public Issues
Washington State University’s College of Agriculture, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences
Ten 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/
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