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Editor's Note: The following is an abridged version of a longer article on Sociocracy s Proposal-Forming process, forming part VI in the author's "How Sociocracy Can Help Communities" series. For specifics of each step and tips on how to implement it in your group, email the author at diana @ic. org.
The six steps of proposal-forming in Sociocracy (a.k.a. Dynamic Governance) can be used independently by a community even if it doesn't use the rest of Sociocracy. Proposals can be either considered immediately or saved for another meeting to decide. They can be also proposed to other circles or subgroups within the community to decide.
Here are the steps:
One: Present the Problem.
A circle makes a proposal to solve a problem or benefit from an opportunity, relative to its specific aims or objectives.
Let's say a Community Life circle, with the aims to provide enjoyable community-building events and services, takes on the problem that their community doesn't have a library. Someone presents the problem: "No community library," and writes "Library" in large letters at the top of a flip chart.
Two: Identify Aspects of the Problem ("Picture Forming").
The facilitator asks circle members to suggest various aspects- facets, characteristics, attributes-of the problem.
These are not specific proposal ideas, which come later in Step Four, but large, overarching categories that describe the problem. Identifying aspects of the problem first-"picture forming"-will help circle members create a more thorough proposal.
For example, if a circle is considering the lack of a library, various aspects of the problem could include "LOCATION," "LIBRARY MATERIALS TO LOAN OUT," and "SHELVING MATERIALS."
As in classic brainstorming, people don't criticize, praise, or otherwise comment on other people's suggestions. They can suggest more than one aspect of the proposal at a time. They can also pass, as they'll have other opportunities to offer suggestions as the facilitator keeps going around the circle.
Step Two is complete when no one has any more aspects of the problem to suggest.
Three: Consent to Completeness of the List.
Next is a consent round in which circle members are asked to consent to whether the listed "Aspects of the Problem" seem...