Getting to “YES!!” for the Orcas Schoolchildren

The following is a draft proposal for a community consensus-building process to address the adequacy of public school facilities, as described by Fred Klein in his accompanying column.

Goal: To reach a consensus on a way forward to ensure that the facilities of the OISD are adequate to meet our collective responsibility for the education of our community’s children; and to draft a statement of the consensus to be published and shared with the community at large.

Framework: Four sessions spread over a week’s time; 12 hours total.

Participants: 50 to 60 island citizen-taxpayers spanning the full range of the Orcas Island community; open  invitation for pre-registration with commitment to attend ALL FOUR sessions.

Schedule: (tentative)
First Session: Sat., March 19 1 to 5 p.m.

Second Session: Tues., March 22 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Third Session: Wed., March 23, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Fourth Session: Sat., March 26, 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Location: (to be determined)

Proposed Definition of “Consensus”

“a decision by two or more people…a decision which everyone may not feel is the best decision…but is a decision which everyone can live with…and commit themselves not to undermine.”

Proposed Agreements for Participation (DRAFT)

• commit to attend ALL FOUR (4) sessions…be punctual…please arrive 10 min. ahead of time…sessions will end PROMPTLY as scheduled.
• be fully present during the sessions (set aside other concerns, turn off cell phones, etc.).
• say your name before speaking…address the group as a whole rather than a specific individual
• become aware of when you are moved to speak and when you are not moved to speak…listen to your inner voice.
• when speaking…speak personally from your own experience and feelings; use “I” statements; avoid generalizations, and avoid trying to win others over to your point of view…be aware of the preciousness of time.
• if things are not going as you would like…and there will be times when they won’t be…express yourself… speak up and voice your dissatisfaction, rather than disengage.
• when listening…listen wholeheartedly; recognise there is no need to rebut or refute someone’s remarks.
• listen carefully and with respect to what another person is saying…try to avoid formulating a response while someone is speaking, but wait until the other has completely finished.
• be open to letting go of your pet solutions…regardless of the degree of research, study, or your conviction of how right they are.
• consider the possibility  that each participant has part of the answer to the issues and problems which the group is addressing…all participants are equally responsible for a successful outcome.
• please do not bring prepared, written presentations, or handouts.

Note: If this event is over-subscribed, participation will be guided by the desire for the group to be a representative cross section of the community. This proposal is intended as an initiative independent of the Orcas Island School District;  if you would like to help organize this event, participate in it, or desire further information, please contact: Fred Klein at 376-5377 or email at: fklein@orcasonline.com; please use “schools” for subject line of email.

Rest assured, IF consensus is reached and a statement of such is agreed upon BEFORE the end of this series of sessions…after suitable celebration…everyone can happily return home with a complete sense of satisfaction.