🧭 Decision-Making at The Compassion Collective

At The Compassion Collective, we practice consent-based decision-making rooted in our values of equity, inclusion, neurodivergent accessibility, and collective empowerment. Our goal is not perfection or consensus—but decisions that are “good enough” and “safe enough to try” for those impacted.

This process ensures that all voices are heard, power is decentralized, and evolution is built into how we grow.

---

✨ Step-by-Step Process

1. 📝 Initiating a Proposal

Anyone in the collective may propose an idea, action, change, or contribution.

• Proposals can begin during a meeting (collaboratively)
• Or be submitted as a draft in writing (e.g., Facebook group, Discord, shared doc)

The proposal should state the idea clearly and why it matters.

---

2. 🗳️ Group Evaluation

A poll is posted in our shared decision space (usually Facebook group). The options must include:

• ✅ “I Consent” – I believe this proposal is good enough and safe enough to try.
• ⚠️ “I Withhold My Consent” – I have concerns and will comment to explain.

The poll must:

• Remain open for at least 5 days
• Receive at least 5 participants

---

3. 💬 Constructive Feedback

If someone withholds consent, they must offer valid, compassionate feedback explaining their concern.

• Feedback must aim to improve or clarify, not just block
• Silence is not assumed as consent

---

4. 🔁 Adapt or Abandon

• The original proposer can revise the proposal based on feedback
• If consensus can’t be reached, the proposal may be set aside or reimagined

---

5. 🤲 Proposal Ownership & Collaboration

• The proposer remains responsible for any needed edits
• Others may volunteer to help implement or shape the outcome
• Shared leadership is encouraged, not required

---

6. 🕒 Consent Duration & Re-evaluation

• Once passed, proposals become shared agreements
• They remain in effect for 90 days, after which they are open to re-evaluation or renewal
• This allows flexibility, responsiveness, and iterative improvement

---

🧠 Why Consent-Based Governance?

We choose consent—not consensus—because:

• Consensus often prioritizes comfort and conformity
• Consent prioritizes action, adaptability, and shared safety

This method honors trauma-informed principles, avoids unnecessary stagnation, and makes space for emergent leadership and fluid participation.

---

🌱 Final Thought

Our decision-making process is a living system. We expect it to evolve as we grow.

If you have suggestions about this process itself, propose away—we’re always listening.

— The Compassion Collective