Empowering Democratic Decision-Making with COPAL: The Power of Five Finger Consensus
A person holds up their hand, palm facing out, displaying five fingers.
Photo by Nadine Shaabana on Unsplash
Recently, we worked with Comunidades Organizando el Poder y la Acción Latina’s (COPAL) Leadership Team to introduce Five Finger Consensus—a method perfectly aligned with COPAL's commitment to the Jemez Principles for Democratic Organizing.
The Jemez Principles and COPAL
Guided by the Jemez Principles, COPAL is committed to inclusive, transparent, and equitable decision-making processes. These principles emphasize the importance of letting all voices be heard, a core value reflected in COPAL’s mission to amplify the voices of Latine communities in Minnesota. Teaching the Leadership Team to use Five Finger Consensus is a critical step in ensuring that these values are embedded in their decision-making processes.
Understanding Five Finger Consensus
Five Finger Consensus is a democratic tool that allows every member of the team to express their level of agreement on a proposal, with a simple show of fingers. This method is both visual and intuitive, making it easier to gauge where everyone stands and ensuring that minority opinions are acknowledged and addressed.
Here’s how it works: each participant uses their fingers to indicate their level of agreement with a proposal. A "5" means full support, while a "1" indicates strong opposition.
Why Five Finger Consensus Matters
Promotes Inclusivity: This method ensures that every voice is considered, making it an excellent tool for organizations committed to participatory democracy.
Encourages Shared Ownership: When everyone’s input is valued, the decisions made are owned collectively, increasing commitment to the outcomes.
Aligns with Democratic Values: Five Finger Consensus is more than just a technique; it’s a practice that embodies the democratic values COPAL strives to uphold in all its work.
Fractal Leadership: Growing Democracy from the Inside Out
By practicing Five Finger Consensus within their 8-member leadership team, COPAL is embodying the fractal theory that what we do on a small scale reflects and influences the larger scale. This small-scale practice not only strengthens internal decision-making but also models the democratic principles that will be applied in broader community engagements. As COPAL hones these practices within their leadership, they are setting the stage for inclusive, equitable decision-making processes that will permeate every level of their organization and community impact.
Strengthening Democratic Foundations
In an organization like COPAL, where the mission is to create social, political, and economic change for Latine communities, utilizing democratic decision-making tools is essential. The ability to make decisions that are genuinely reflective of the collective will strengthens the organization’s foundation, enabling them to advocate more effectively and equitably. By embedding these practices, COPAL ensures that their internal processes mirror the democratic values they champion in the broader community.