The strength of a consensus process comes from its flexible, inclusive, voluntary, and participant-driven nature. All parties must be supportive of the process and willing to invest the time necessary to make it work. Experience points to certain characteristics that are fundamental to successfully building consensus. By compiling the practical experience of many participants, theorists, and practitioners, we offer here the Guiding Principles for Successful Agreement Building. These guiding principles do not represent a comprehensive "how-to," but are intended to build awareness and clarify the best practices that the Institute hopes to uphold.

The first step is to analyze the situation and determine the best approach to address the issue. The objectives of a situation assessment are, first, to comprehensively determine the variety of values and viewpoints related to a particular issue; and second, to develop a common understanding of the substance of the problem, the needs and interests of the parties, and the risks associated with different procedures for resolving the issues. The assessment also sheds light on areas of potential agreement and opportunities to improve the situation or resolve conflicts that might otherwise go unnoticed. Conducting a situation assessment typically involves the use of someone who is impartial to review appropriate documents and interview people representing different viewpoints.

People need a compelling reason to participate. All participants should agree that consensus is the best way to improve the situation. Everyone should agree on the scope and goals of the work being proposed, as well as the group's level of decision-making authority. Ensure that people's expectations are in line with reality concerning what the process can accomplish.

Involve people affected by the issue and those who are needed to implement the agreement. All those who can affect the outcome or its implementation, or who could be impacted by the outcomes, should be involved from the process design phase. It is imperative that participation not be limited to those who have an immediate financial interest, but rather involve all of those who are concerned. Inclusion of all those interested should take precedence over concerns about group size. Acknowledge and respect the interests and concerns of others. Allow all participants a chance to be heard and to exchange ideas.

Participants should select their own representatives, define the issues, and develop appropriate ground rules. Trust in the process must be built from its inception. If certain people feel excluded from process design, the process will lack trust and credibility from the outset. Each process should be designed to meet the specific needs of any given situation and should be flexible. Anticipate that everyone will learn more about the issues and other participants' perspectives as the process unfolds.

In situations of high conflict or stakes, a highly-skilled facilitator who is viewed by all interests as fair and competent will greatly improve the chances of success. Choose an impartial facilitator who is credible to all participants and who can ensure that participants share power among themselves during the consensus-building process without relinquishing their decision-making authority. Groups should secure adequate and sustainable funding to support the process. Process costs vary but typically include the services of a facilitator or coordinator, copying and mailing, staff time, travel expenses for participants, technical support, and specific project expenses.

Build a common understanding of the issue by identifying existing sources of information and data. Ensure equal access to relevant information. Agree on the sources of technical support. Gather, analyze, and interpret data by working together so as to gain commitment to the baseline information. Base decisions on reliable, accurate and unbiased information.

Participants are accountable to the process they created, as well as to those whom they represent. Keep the public and other decision-makers informed of progress. Act in a trustworthy fashion at all times.

Clarify the participants' commitment to action. Identify roles and responsibilities. Design a monitoring and evaluation strategy.

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