Neutrality of GA Facilitators

[tzipporar]

When facilitating general assemblies you are up in front of everyone for the duration of the meeting.  This takes courage and dedication and we applaud every person in this movement who takes on this responsibility.  If, while in the position of moderator, stack keeper or time keeper, you visibly display your opinion of announcements, comments, or proposals thoughtfully put forth by people at the GA, then you risk unduly influencing the reception of the new ideas and proposals being brought forth.  It is therefore important that the facilitators, because of their prominent position in the process of the GA, remain neutral.  

Facilitators may put themselves on stack, and weigh in just like anyone else.  They may not simply add themselves to the end of the stack, thereby insuring that they get the last word.  Rather, like everyone else at the GA, they may get on stack when they realize they have something to share.  They may let the person at the back of the stack at that moment know of their intentions, and then when their turn comes around, they may offer their opinion, make their announcement or read their proposal.  

The moderator has the added responsibility of ensuring that everyone understands and follows format, and may jump in whenever necessary to that ends.

[sheryl]

True and very good observations and ideas. I'd also like to say that facilitators should change frequently.

[tzipporar]

I agree about changing up frequently.  I was originally gonna write up a "Neutrality and Rotation of GA Facilitators" proposal but decided to take it one issue at a time.  Some folks are organizing a training so that more people know how to moderate.  Keeping stack doesn't take much know how though, so for that one- people just need to step up!  Relieve the people who always end up doing it, and give the GAs a more pluralistic face.

[m_x]

I like this idea.  

[sheryl]

I like these ideas too.

Just read the post regarding the missing minutes and the daunting task that it is to record and then post them. Only four people currently doing so.

These are a few great opportunities to throw at people who want to be more involved. Lets make formal announcement at the beginning of GAs that these are areas that need a regular flow of volunteer help and that they are not stagnant roles for one or a few people to fill. Sometimes people need to be encouraged and invited. Everyone does not have the personality that just lets them just jump in.

(Slightly off topic but I'm wondering how the task of minutes can be broken down so that the job can be shared.)

[marymcmahon@clear.net]

I'm so happy you find the minutes important. I've posted some more thoughts on the subject. I'm good at developing work flow processes...

"Understand how overworked everyone is, but this is important. Even if it gets posted as Minutes for October 21 are not available, need volunteers, can you help? With a contact. You're at a point were responsibilities need to start being delegated. How to do this is something I'm thinking about, looking for a place to share ideas right now."

[Chopin]

Many of these people - people you don't even SEE on the ground to protest other than for general assemblies, that walk and talk and refuse to raise their voices during marching, will not listen to your post.  They do not care.  I am hoping/waiting/praying for the day that someone snatches the mic and states what they think of these certain individuals [you know who I am talking about] and how they need to take a step back.  I have heard more than my fair share of complaints while asking on the ground on Wednesday, and it's time someone gets the courage to speak out.  I am not there everyday because I do not live in the state of Illinois so the new elitists [OH IM HERE EVERYDAY SO QQ] need to hear it from someone who has been there virtually every day.

[Realer]

The problem is many members who choose not to be moderator and same people end up doing it. Everyone should involve and get active. By the way, its not easy what moderators does and there will be moderator training next week.