Citizens Deliberative Councils (CDC’s)

Creative Insight Councils (CIC’s)

Wisdom Council Process (WCP)

What?

One-time events, where randomly selected citizens (from 16-600) are given a specific issue to address, expert information, and options to examine. They deliberate among the options and vote. They present their findings to the convening authority, the media and the public, in hopes of generating policy change.

Similar to the CDC’s, except that the number selected is much smaller (12) and is dynamically facilitated. This means that the primary thinking process is choice-creating, not deliberation. This means that the group reaches a unanimous perspective on a new framing of the issue and a suggested solution. They have a story to tell that better sparks a whole-system conversation.

Like the CIC’s because this small randomly selected group is dynamically facilitated to achieve unanimous results and present them to the larger population. But this time the process is ongoing, a new group every three months or so. Each group identifies it’s own issue to address. This is a process by which to facilitate the emergence of a "We the People” conversation and conclusions.

How are they convened?

Ideally, government convenes the CDC to learn the people’s perspective on important issues and to inform policy-making.

Ideally government convenes CIC’s although, since the group reaches unity, it can more easily be convened by some other well-respected body.

Ideally the WCP is convened by “ We the People.” Symbolically, a few citizens can start this process, where statements of the first Wisdom Councils charter the process.

Purpose?

To influence policy in the direction of the general interest, to better inform voters and to alleviate voter cynicism.

Same as CDC, plus this process is better suited to operate in conjunction with the Wisdom Council as a way that “We the People” can delve more deeply into issues.

To establish a “We the People” conversation outside of the existing system that involves citizens, builds trust, affects policy, and ultimately transforms how the system works.

Examples …

• Citizens Juries (hundreds done)

• Danish-style Consensus Conferences (dozens done)

• German Planning Cells

• Citizens Assemblies (few)

• Department heads of an agency meet with randomly selected employees to develop a vision

•  Randomly selected citizens delve into a topic and report their results in a public meeting

Randomly selected citizens  of a city recognize that it has two independent populations. They reach unanimity on the need to confront the issue of prejudice, and spark a city-wide conversation. Citizens check in on progress periodically.

Who facilitates?

A carefully selected person who acts as moderator, facilitator and at times as leader. Key is for this person to stay neutral and detached.

Same as Citizens Wisdom Council, a “dynamic facilitator,” who helps the group reach some form of unanimity.

A “dynamic facilitator” (www.Tobe.net) helps the group address its biggest issues and achieve unanimity through “shifts” and breakthroughs.

What kind of conversation?

Ideally: “deliberation” -- which is an informed weighing of options. It is objective, analytical, linear and based on accurate information.

Same as the Wisdom Council— “choice-creating” vs. “deliberation.”

“Choice-creating.” This is where people think creatively from the heart, seeking win/win solutions. It is a non-linear, emergent thinking process.

How is expertise included?

Conveners provide balanced information through briefing materials and expert testimony on the issue. Often a carefully selected assortment of partisan advocates presents to the group.

Similar to the CDC, except that the experts need not stay separate from the Council. When they come they can be part of the conversation.

Wisdom Council participants consult their own experience and desires for the community. Experts participate in the new, whole-system conversation that the Wisdom Council evokes.

What are the results?

Usually, the group recommends one of a number of predetermined options. They seek unanimity but, ultimately, their conclusion is decided by a vote.

The CIC usually develops a unanimous conclusion on the predetermined issue, however, this conclusion may not fit within expected parameters or be one of the predetermined options.

The Wisdom Council presents a unanimous perspective, with a story of how the group reached these conclusions. Action happens through the normal channels and through a new sense of shared vision and empowerment

How is the group comprised?

Since this is a one-time event and the group ultimately votes, a “stratified” sample is used. A large group is chosen at random, its individual members' demographics are identified, and then a smaller group whose demographics match the community profile is picked.

Since the topic is chosen for them the people generally must be paid.

Similar to the CDC.

Since the Wisdom Council reaches unanimity, chooses and frames its own issues, and is a continuing process, a pure random sample is used. Over time all subgroups are proportionately reflected.

Cost?

Most citizen deliberative councils (e.g., citizens juries) cost between $10,000-$50,000 for the preparation, the experts, and stipends. Large ones, like Citizens Assemblies, cost millions.

The CIC cost is similar to the CDC.

A local grassroots Wisdom Council can typically be done with volunteer labor and a few thousand dollars. Once officially chartered, Wisdom Councils cost more.

Relationship among the three?

A Wisdom Council can help Citizens Deliberative Councils overcome their most pressing difficulties: achieving influence over policy, not losing effectiveness and relevancy over time, and overcoming distrust.

The CIC is an alternative to the CDC. It is especially powerful in conjunction with the Wisdom Council because it supports the empowerment of citizens.

Wisdom Councils can use Citizen Deliberative Councils or Creative Insight Councils to explore topics in more depth. With a Wisdom Council in place, these “task councils” report back to “We the People” more than to government.