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Proxies

A good, well-informed proxy: One who knows how you feel about the issue, what you'd prefer to be passed, what you'd prefer not to be passed. Bonus points if they're sexy.

One crucial thing about electing a good proxy for you is that you specifically brief them ahead of time on how you will compromise.

Notice I say will compromise, not 'willing to compromise'. Every participant in a consensus process should go into it expecting to compromise on some level. Individuals who don't participate in the consensus meeting, whether or not they elect a proxy, should especially expect to compromise. A proxy cannot, on principle, block consensus. If you actually felt that strongly about a decision, you'd show up. Sending a proxy shows the group that it's not life-or-death that it goes your way.

The problem with proxies in consensus is that they've usually only been briefed with their constituent's ideal position. In this case, the only option available to the proxy is to be the worst kind of stick in the mud -- because they have no idea how to compromise for you. This can be incredibly damaging and disempowering for the group. They can't make an informed decision that *equally* respects the concerns of all. It steals the group's agency and the proxy's freedom to represent his/her own view. It wastes the group's time debating guesses at your *realistic* stance. It causes real tension in the meeting.

But, you might say, "I feel very very strongly that all our coffee be fair trade organic, but I can't participate in consensus because my radical labor direct action tactics group meets then." I say: pick your battles. But if you must send a proxy, they must be able to say "Ideally, she'd prefer this over that, but she understands if it doesn't go that way and appreciates your taking her opinion into account." Better yet: "...and here's some well-researched data on fair trade practice that might help you make a good decision."

Briefing your proxy on how you'll compromise will increase your chances of being accommodated -- it shows you appreciate the time invested by the dedicated people in the meeting in sorting out your position.

Electing a proxy should basically entail giving them a prepared statement (including how you will compromise) to read at the meeting and trusting the group to take into account the concerns it raises and the information it contains. You're not sending in a knight to do battle for you. You're sending in a messenger.