The Montana Consensus Council
Why Use Consensus Building?
Consensus building processes are based on the premise that, if you bring together the appropriate people in constructive ways with good information, they will create effective, sustainable solutions to their shared problems.
Consensus building processes are defined by three values -- inclusive, informed, and deliberative.
Given this premise and set of value, there are two reasons to use consensus building:
First, it improves communication and participation in natural resource and public policy decision-making.
Second, consensus building improves the effectiveness of natural resource and other public policy. That is, consensus-oriented processes can result in outcomes that:
- Receive broad public support - since they provide the most direct and therefore meaningful form of public participation.
- Integrate the best available scientific and technical information.
- Make implementation easier and more stable, since all the major stakeholders have helped shape the proposed policy.
- Save time and money, since there will be less chance of recurring disputes.
- Promote working relationships and a sense of community.
