Reaching Group Consensus

Session Two

Distribute registration package

• To simulate registration at an actual summit, arrange for students to collect a Conference Kit containing a set of documents for each delegate as they enter the classroom. These documents might include a summit agenda, briefing sheets, lists of resources or Web sites for research, and activity sheets to collect information and organize their thoughts. You may also wish to provide identification tags with a place for students to indicate their names and the delegation they represent.

Review agenda for the summit

• Using the sample Conference Agenda as a template, create an outline of the sequence of events for the summit. In the suggested example, students:
  • prepare profile of group’s interests and concerns
  • develop proposed resolutions for consideration
  • share proposals and negotiate with other delegations
  • revise proposed resolutions in light of first round of negotiations
  • hold second round of negotiation with other delegations
  • hold final vote on all resolutions submitted
  • debrief the experience.

Gather information about the delegation

• Provide each delegation with appropriate resource lists or pre-developed briefings on their region or interest group. Distribute Delegation Profile to student groups as a tool for recording key information about features, history and concerns of the region or group they are representing. Distribute several copies of Briefing on Issue to each student group as a tool for summarizing information about each issue the delegation wishes the summit to consider. Provide ample time for students to read or investigate the information and to record their findings. 

Reinforce consensus building

• Make it clear that, throughout the summit simulation, students are adopting a role—the views they represent may not be those that they hold personally. It is also important that all group members agree on the proposal. In keeping with the concept of consensus, the delegation itself needs to have consensus before it can begin to aim for it in the larger summit. The art of compromise is important at every stage of the summit process.