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D R A F T <br />The discussion then focused on the definition of consensus. A number of group members felt <br />uncomfortable with the word consensus, feeling that it imp lies unanimity. The facilitation team <br />explained various definitions of the term, and described common options used when full <br />endorsement of a proposal by all group members can’t be reached. <br /> <br />The group seemed to generally agree that it would be preferabl e for the IBCC to be able to reach <br />agreements that all members could live with. Several members felt that, in this voluntary <br />process, it would be difficult for the IBCC to have any impact if decisions made by the group <br />didn’t have broad agreement. “Conse nsus,” while often characterized as time - consuming, <br />frustrating, and messy, also results in strong agreements that carry the weight of the whole group. <br />The facilitation team offered to take the thoughts of the group and draft a description of a <br />decision m aking process that would not be called consensus, but that would signify strong <br />support by the entire IBCC. <br /> <br />“Name Here” (Strong Affirmative Support or Broad General Support ) <br /> <br />“ The IBCC will use a decision making process that identifies and positively affi rms a <br />broad general level of approval of and support for a proposal or agreement by all <br />Committee members . The Committee will not rely on a binding vote to make a decision . <br />An agreement will be considered to have been reached when either the facilitator o r a <br />group member has articulated the proposed agreement , and all IBCC members verbally <br />affirm that they can support it, or at a minimum will not actively oppose or subvert it. <br />This agreement making process does not mean all parties have to feel the same w ay about <br />a decision – some may strongly endorse it, while others may believe it is workable , not <br />ideal but ultimately acceptable . When a decision is being made, any IBCC member may <br />request a poll of C ommittee members to assess their views. Members may vo ice <br />affirmative support for a proposal or agreement , remain silent and allow the agreement to <br />be approved without objection , or state that a broad general level of agreement has not <br />been reached , and request the committee to continue deliberations ” . <br /> <br />Shoul d a broad level of agreement not be reached, the Committee discussed, but did not decide <br />upon the following alternative: <br /> <br />If a broad level of agreement on an issue or proposal cannot be reached by the <br />Committee, members may agree to shift to voting to mak e a decision. A shift from <br />seeking a broad level of agreement to a vote will require a two - thirds majority vote by all <br />members present at the meeting. A final decision will be reached when 75% (or 90%) of <br />C ommittee members present vote in favor of a pr oposal . IBCC members recognize that <br />shifting to a vote will be a last resort to make a decision and will be taken only when all <br />attempts to reach a broad level of agreement have failed. IBCC members also recognize <br />that because of the voluntary nature of the IBCC and its relationship to basin roundtables, <br />a decision by vote may be un - implementable or enforceable. <br /> <br />Revised Draft of the Charter <br /> <br /> 7 <br />