Most are political activists, in that they recognize how socio-cultural issues relate to individual troubles. It's a continual challenge, but this diverse group of 250 volunteers and the small paid staff continue to work together as a collective. Although White Bird began with a more conventional hierarchical structure, during all these years of consensus decision-making the members don't recall any serious deadlock. That's because collective members allow themselves to fully discuss issues, taking the necessary hours to decide as a group whether to serve coffee or apply for a particular grant. For example, a few members wanted a Christmas tree for the lobby. Some believed that in a secular institution, religious symbols had no place. Those involved compromised by putting up a small tree with no religious symbols and a sign that said the tree was not a religious symbol. In many large, hierarchical organizations, employees lack negotiation skills to resolve disputes amongst themselves. They often find themselves calling upon a supervisor for guidance. At White Bird everyone is urged to work with each other to settle disagreements and training is provided to assist this process. If one-to-one discussions do not work, disputers may meet with a facilitator. Beyond that, a dispute may go to the departments involved, then a community meeting, or at last resort the board of directors. Most problems, however, are quickly resolved in the first or second step, Left, White Bird is managed and run through a relaxed collective decision-making process that involves paid staff and volunteers. Right top, a beautiful Clinic building that provides space for the outpatient drug treatment program and case management offices for the homeless program. Right below, the rear of the building which connects to a yurt meeting room. This locally-made, lowcost, easy-to-install yurt is nestled beneath several shadeproviding trees. It adjoins a small, garden space with carefully placed benches where patients and workers come for a little health-giving relaxation and serenity. RAIN Summer 1996 Volume XV, Number 1 Page 3
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