What It Means When We Say the Jewish Caucus Operates on Consensus

Stephen Shaiken

Stephen Shaiken is an attorney and author. He has written extensively on Constitutional issues. He has litigated scores of Constitutional questions in federal appellate courts and is a member of the United States Supreme Court Bar

You’ll sometimes hear me or one of the other officers or board members say that “we operate on consensus.” What exactly does this mean, and why is it good for our caucus?

Operating on consensus means we don’t simply take a vote and the majority wins. Instead, we seek a path where everyone’s views are respectfully considered, and the final determination reflects this. It is quite common for something one or more members say to cause a change of position of another; it’s happened to me several times, both ways.

We have a board that is diverse and experienced, within and without the political party process. Every one of us has something to say and all are worth hearing from.

We currently have twelve board members, and we’ve been carrying at least ten or eleven for quite some time. That allows us to consider a wide range of views, each representing more than the speaker.

Being a board member is a serious responsibility, requiring considerable time and energy, but it’s well worth it to be able to work with such an outstanding group.

When we have an issue, and it could be anything from budget to programs and events, or formulating an endorsement process or a membership drive, It goes on the agenda. A board member with knowledge will explain the issues, and we open up the floor for discussion. Every board member gets the chance to weigh in, and miraculously, we always know when it is time to vote on what has clearly won the consensus.

This method results in deciding something after hearing the best arguments for all sides. Even if someone is the sole advocate for a position, they have the assurance that their idea was considered and discussed fully. (I’ve been there a few times.)

The majority of the board members have served for over two years, and in our almost three years history, only one board member has ever resigned, so we must be doing something right!

Our board meets monthly. We maintain minutes, and they will shortly be available for all members to access online. Members are free to reach out to officers and board members when they have questions or suggestions, and indeed, are encouraged to do so.

Our committees also operate on consensus. The Membership Committee, the ad hoc committees that are formed for special events like the Hanukkah party, incorporate the same principles.

Reaching consensus means being respectful of all views, being able to understand one can moderate or change their views when it achieves good results, and accepting the notion that unity is preferable to winner-take-all.

Maybe operating on consensus is why our caucus continues to grow in terms of members, finances, and influence. Everyone feels at home. If our party can do the same, we are going to start winning again.

Am Yisrael Chai,

Stephen Shaiken, President

Hillsborough County Democratic Party Jewish Caucus