Guest Column: Outline for an Orcas Island Response to the Tragedy at Newtown, CT

By Fred Klein

Goal: To reach a consensus on what changes to local practices and attitudes we can make in order to lower the risk of such an event occurring on Orcas Island;and draft a statement of that consensus to be published and shared with the Orcas community.

Framework:  Four sessions spread over a week’s time; 15 hours total time commitment

Participants: 50 to 60 island citizens spanning the full range of the Orcas Island community;

This is an open invitation to register with a commitmentto attend ALL FOUR sessions.

Location: The Lundeen Room, Orcas Senior Center

Registration: Call 376-5377, or email: fklein@orcasonline.com using “Consensus” as Subject line

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

–  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, PDAs, 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 generali- zations, 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 wonʼt be…express yourself… speak up and voice your dissatisfaction (using “I” statements), rather than disengage.

–   when listening…listen wholeheartedly; recognise there is no need to rebut or refute someoneʼs 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 independent initiative; if you would like to be part of the team to organize this event, participate in it, or desire further information, please contact: Fred Klein at 376-5377 or email at: fklein@orcasonline.com; when emailing, please use “Consensus” 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!

Fred Klein is an architect who serves on the Eastsound Planning Review Committee. He instigated the “Way Forward” process in 2011 to address needs of the Orcas Island School District.