Decision making

This page gathers HUB resources related to activist group decision-making.

“Collective decision-making is at the heart of citizen movements. Whether an organization has little or no organization or is seen as an important actor in civil society, it is the constant beating of a formal or informal decision-making process that gives it life. Decision-making models are intimately linked to the kind of structure in which these decisions are made. Thus, there is no one best model that can be applied to all structures." - Sami Haiouani, longtime activist

Here are some factors to consider when choosing the decision-making model:

• group values
• the number of people involved
• the composition of the group
• the type of organization
• the target
• legal responsibilities

We can make decisions that are in line with our values ​​AND that correspond to the structure of our group.

Consider your goals

This section is inspired by a resource from Samantha Slide, author of Going horizontal: Creating a Non-hierarchical Organization, One Practice at a Time.

Consent model

The model is used when...

• the focus is on the action
• we want to leave a place (although restricted) to the people involved

See the pages: Consent decision making 101 and How does horizontalism or non-hierarchical organizing work, and what have we learned from attempts as it? 

Consensus model

The model is used when...

• support from everyone is needed
• we focus on the quality of relationships and creating a sense of community

See the pages: Consensus decision making 101, consensus decision making (suggestions for small groups) and how does horizontalism or non-hierarchical organizing work, and what have we learned from attempts as it?