Decision Rules for Conflict Resolution

Decision Rules for Conflict Resolution should be used to work
toward consensus and resolution of significant problems and to ensure
that conflict is handled in a constructive manner.  In most instances,
issues can be settled with some discussion, followed by a vote and a
majority ruling.  However, when there are important issues that may
threaten to disrupt progress, the following "Decision Rules" will be
used by the Steering Committee.

  1. If discussion of an issue results in significant disagreement or conflict,
    which is not readily resolved, a "straw" vote will determine how many
    agree on a particular issue.
  2. If the "straw" vote shows 75% or greater agree, then the issue will carry.
  3. If less than 75% agree, implement a comprehensive discussion of theissues to promote consensus.If consensus cannot be reached, a vote will be taken either to drop
    the issue or continue the discussion for a set amount of time agreed
    upon by the group.
  4. If the issue is dropped, it can be referred for subsequent
    discussion at a future meeting if there is a majority vote (greater
    than 50%) to do so.
  5. If the discussion is continued and completed, the issue will be put
    to a final vote.
  6. If less than 75% favor the proposal, the issue will be
    dropped.

Last update July 16, 2009