Description
Institute for Peaceable Communities Inc MANY VOICES ONE SONG by Ted J Rau Jerry Koch-Gonzalez
Many Voices One Song is a detailed manual for implementing sociocracy an egalitarian form of governance also known as dynamic governance. Sociocracy means governance by those who associate together. This book is based on the Sociocratic CircleOrganization Method (SCM) developed in the Netherlands by electrical engineer Gerard Endenburg based on earlier work of educator Kees Boeke. Many Voices One Song includes stepbystep descriptions for structuring organizations making decisions and generating feedback. The content is illustrated by many diagrams tables examples lists skits and stories from the field. The book includes a glossary and index and an appendix summarizing processes in easily reproducible form. The book covers four major areas: Sociocratic organizational structures based on linked teams (circles) that distribute authority from the top of organizations to the most frontline teams that are appropriate. These teams are linked by both topdown leaders and bottomup delegates to ensure that influence and power are shared in a circular rather than linear hierarchy. Organizational diagrams illustrate different ways to structure organizations in an egalitarian way. Decision making by consent defined as no one having an objection to a proposed decision. Consent is a participatory and inclusive approach to decision making in contrast to winlose voting and most forms of consensus. Decisionmaking steps (understandexploredecide) detailed include proposal generation and the proposal to consent decisionmaking process. The book also outlines the steps for selection of people to roles in open dialog processes. The insights of compassionate communication (Nonviolent Communication/NVC) are integrated into the context of decision making. Meeting format and design including facilitation skills and processes that ensure that all voices matter in decision making.Feedback processes for evaluating the effectiveness of meetings policies workflows and role performance support an ongoing learning cycle and continuous improvement not just in production and delivery but in the embodiment of equality itself. The intent of this book is to contribute to the spread of sociocracy by making information available. Egalitarian selfgovernance needs to be simple enough so everyone can share power in a healthy way.show more