The Great Plains Consensus Council: An Agreement-building Resource
The Great Plains Consensus Council
- was established in 2005 to give name to ongoing consensus building and public policy work, including intervention in public disputes, facilitation of public dialogue, and training governmental entities and others in these areas;
- consists of professionals who are skilled and experienced in managing conflict, researching public issues, and facilitating the development of public policy;
- assists leaders and citizens holding diverse viewpoints to develop public policy solutions that are socially, economically, and environmentally feasible.
The mission of the Great Plains Consensus Council is
- to provide services for resolving trans-boundary disputes; and
- to encourage innovation in building agreements.
Strengths of the Great Plains Consensus Council
- Experience in designing, convening, and facilitating meetings where leaders and citizens collaborate and resolve difficult problems.
- Knowledge of the region’s culture, history, leaders, issues and people.
- Roots in the communities forming the Great Plains region.
- Availability for meeting the needs of stakeholders and governing entities.
- "I am certain that your facilitation of the process was the major reason that an agreement was able to be reached."
- a city clerk
- "Thank you so much for your expertise in helping us reach an agreement. I have been hearing positive comments already in the community about the agreement."
- the mayor of a small community
- "The disputing parties went about solving their problems the right way, by seeking a mediator. Hopefully their efforts will not only provide a blueprint but also inspire others to resolve differences in the same fashion. Job well done."
- a newspaper editorial reflecting on the work of GPCC
