The dictionary defines "consensus" this way:

• collective opinion
• a general agreement
• a judgment arrived at by most or all of those concerned
• group solidarity in sentiment or belief

You have already heard the presentations of each task force group. You recognize that there are a range of interests, valid perspectives, and personalities involved. A variety of recommendations are possible. You will know when you reach consensus when everyone can and will support the recommendations. You won't all think it's the best decision, but you can all agree to live with it.

Consensus promotes hard thinking. You must really wrestle with the issues. Things may get thorny. Understand that consensus is not majority rule or an "all or nothing" approach where there is a "right" answer. There is no formal voting. Don't pressure other members of the task force to agree to something just so the group can feel successful.

These guidelines are helpful:

1. Make sure everyone understands the problem.
2. Make sure everyone is paying attention to, listening to, and understanding each other.
3. Encourage all members to contribute their knowledge and ideas related to the problem.
4. It is okay to disagree. In the end, however, you need to be flexible and willing to give something up to reach an agreement.
5. Ask questions of other members to understand why they have that position and what they need to achieve to feel satisfied.

Follow these steps:

1. Suggest many possible solutions (brainstorm).
2. If necessary, narrow down the list to no more than 10 possible options.
3. Discuss the pros and cons of each remaining option.
4. Decide criteria by which to evaluate the options.
5. Look at areas of disagreement and discuss them further.
6. Choose the five best recommendations.
7. Adjust, compromise, and fine-tune the agreed-upon recommendations so that all task force members can support them.
8. Complete the recommendation template to present to the County Commissioners (your teacher).