Consensus process

This graph shows how consensus works in a meeting. Before the meeting, it is suggested that people prepare by discussing the issues. When possible they should bring well thought out proposals to the meeting. When possible, the wording of these proposals should be publicized in advance. However, there are times when all that is brought is a topic to be discussed. In these situations, for time critical items, a proposal may need to be developed at the meeting.

If a proposal does not go forward due to a block, someone can go back to square one in an attempt to develop a new proposal for a future meeting. This is not possible for some time critical items. It is not usually wise to reintroduce a proposal that is identical to one that was blocked unless the opinions of the community members have changed substantially.