[Businessmtg] Show Of Hands

[Laura M]

Hi Everyone,

I wanted to give a little background of why this item is on the agenda.

ASP works by KBDM (Knowledge Based Decision Making). We don't use Roberts
Rules unless absolutely a last ditch, as ASP wants to bring people to
consensus before taking a vote on anything.

In a face to face meeting, the chairperson would be able to gauge where
people are by looking at nodding heads, as well as listening to the shares.

The problem at ASP is that the chairperson doesn't have the ability to
gauge where people are unless they speak up.

Here is an example:
An issue comes up in the business meeting and you are thinking that it is
not a good idea and you share that position. You read all the shares, and
realize that people have really good points, and change your mind, and wait
for the vote.

At this point, the chairperson has no indication that you have switched
your viewpoint, and would still consider you as a person who is not in
favor.

Another example:
You really don't have an opinion on an issue, and wait to hear the sides.
You read everything and make up your mind, but don't share it with the
group.

At this point the chairperson has no indication of where you stand on the
issue.

What this all boils down to is that the chairperson needs a mechanism to
determine how close the business meeting is to consensus on an issue. Since
we can't do a physical show of hands, I am suggesting that we require a
straw poll (or more than one) to determine if consensus has been
reached *before
*we entertain any motions that get voted on.

This will protect the voices of the minority, as well as ensure that
everyone is heard.

Thanks for letting me bring this before the business meeting.

Laura M
Secretary