Welcome

Purpose: to provide a collaborative, participatory and effective forum for community dialogue and action. We seek clarity on issues, consensus on decisions, and community participation on solutions.

Meetings: irregularly scheduled by rotating AIF planning groups to coordinate 3-5 topic-specific community forums/year

Structure: fluid, organic, evolving; meet as a circle of the whole

Decision-making: various consent processes including yes/no majority and consensus agreement

Membership: open to any Islander who is in accord with the Purpose. Participation in consent decision-making process is open to all members who agree to our Ground Rules and are willing, should conflict arise, to participate in a conflict resolution process.

Leadership: self-selected; rotating according to interests, skills and willingness to commit time/energy

Roles: Working Dawgs, Greeter, Facilitator, Recordkeeper, Timekeeper, Witness

Ground Rules: We expect that all of us who participate will:

• Embrace our purpose to be a collaborative, participatory and effective forum for community dialogue and action – learn how to do this well
• Express ideas and opinions respectfully in ways that encourage others to do the same
• Listen to others in order to understand their points of view
• Join us to create a working group where it is safe for all to be heard and for all interests to be considered
• Seek common ground and consensus with the help of leaders and facilitators
• Deal with disagreements openly and fairly and participate in resolution processes determined by the facilitators and the group
• Stay focused on what really matters