L G B T   C a m p u s   O r g a n i z i n g

we want to do it.  Let's vote, all in 

how to distribute the flyers at the meet 

favor of _______?; 

ing Tuesday.  If  there isn't any laven 

der paper, Chris will get the flyers on

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If you vote and it's close you may want

turquoise or pink. 

to count votes and record the numbers

for, against, abstaining.  If not, you can

do a voice vote:  all in favor say aye,

It is helpful to view conflict

all opposed no.   Sometimes you may

as a natural, necessary and

want to use a secret ballot; and

potentially creative opportu 

nity for individuals and

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After deciding, it's useful to have the

groups.

recorder read back the decision to be

clear that what's written down is what

the group really wants.

(III) Resolving Conflicts

Step 5: Implementing the Proposal

Conflict will be a part of the process of

every group (or relationship) unless

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Many great decisions don't matter

everyone agrees on everything all the

because there's no plan for implement 

time.  This is pretty unlikely.  Therefore it

ing them;

is helpful to view conflict as a natural,

necessary and potentially creative oppor 

M

An implementation plan involves

tunity for individuals and groups.  How 

answering who will do what by when.

ever, when conflict within a group

If you've decided to go ahead with the

becomes destructive and causes unre 

letter to the editor, and stop there, the

solved hurt feelings, it can destroy efforts

letter won't be in the paper.  Don't

to work together for common goals.

leave things vague.  It won't get done

Unresolved conflicts are a major reason

and people will make assumptions,

why people leave a group and groups fall

develop resentments, get frustrated and

apart.  The skills of understanding con 

think the group is too flaky and drop

flict, waging productive conflict, and

out.  For example, Sue:  I though Mike

resolving conflict are key to building and

was writing the letter   he never fol 

maintaining strong, effective groups.

lows through!   Mike:  I never agreed

to write the letter.  I just said it should

be signed by everyone on the Steering

Guidelines for Resolving Conflict

Committee;  and

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Try to differentiate between conflict

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A good implementation plan is very

your group can live with and conflict it

clear about who, what, when, how, and

cannot live with; 

sometimes even includes some what

ifs.  For example:  Paul will make a

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Try to identify exactly what the prob 

flyer after he gets input from Sara and

lem is and whose problem it is;

Marvin.  He will get it to Chris by Sun 

day morning.  Chris will make 300

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Avoid blaming one person or faction

copies on lavender paper for Tuesday

for the conflict.  Everyone wants to be

evening's meeting.  We will talk about

seen as a good person;

6 4

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B u i l d i n g   a   H e a l t h y   O r g a n i z a t i o n