Democracy, Down & Dirty

We had our annual Congregational Meeting today - boy am I glad that takes place only once a year. Despite all the arguments about cutting off discussion, when to vote on what, and who could speak when, we managed to pass a by-law amendment and a budget, as well as elect three new board members (including yours truly). It only took about 2 hours, but it seemed like forever.

It occurred to me that perhaps the reason the annual meeting is so painful and dreaded (is it like that in all congregations?) is that we don't practice face to face democracy - where each person has a voice and a direct vote - for most of the year in our congregations, and almost never in society. Maybe what we need is more practice. Practicing parliamentary procedure would certainly make it easier when the time came when it was really necessary, but I think that would be a hard sell as an adult RE class. Maybe a handout prior to the annual meeting - a sort of "Parliamentary Procedure for Dummies" - would suffice. Thankfully our board secretary eats that stuff up.

I also observed both the "tyranny of the majority" and the "tyranny of the minority" today. On one occasion, it was moved and voted to end discussion on a particular amendment (which in fact passed very easily when voted upon). I think there were some hard feelings from those who never got to talk, but a smug sense of "let's get on with it, I had my turn," from those who did speak or didn't care to. On the other hand, much debate was engendered about a by-law amendment (soundly defeated) proposed by one member whose sole purpose in doing so seemed to be to generate discussion. It was certainly successful, but I felt like a captive during much of that talk. The true irony was listening to this person, who sat near me, complaining about Robert's Rules of Order and the extended discussion. I'm not sure what else he expected.

It seems odd that in our faith communities we would engage in a practice so potentially divisive and contentious as the democratic process. Would that we could operate by consensus. Of course it would take even LONGER to be done with the meeting, and we might never come to a resolution. It works well in smaller groups, though.

If nothing else, today's meeting was good practice for GA for our delegates!