What is a spokescouncil?
Large actions need a forum to discuss actions, enable co-operation and share information between lots of different groups. This process is facilitated by a spokescouncil.
At a spokescouncil, each affinity group delegates a 'spoke' to act as a spokesperson to the those meeting. The 'spokes' can be rotated or for the duration. Often, the spokes will form a circle with the rest of the affinity group sitting behind them to feed back info from the affinity group to the larger meeting. Sometimes, a quick spokescouncil can be called consisting of the spokes, if it takes place while lots of other things are happening.
Decisions made at the spokescouncil are not binding - which means that any decisions of the meeting as a whole are only given effect if there is consensus. This does not compromise the autonomy of the affinity groups present. As such, spokescouncils cannot impose codes of behaviour on the autonomous affinity groups or make decisions on behalf of those who are not present, and groups cannot try and stack out the meetings or impose their positions on those who have different ideas about tactics or aims. This enhances co-operation between a multitude of groups - otherwise, meetings can degenerate into groups trying to make their positions prevail.
Moreover, it is not the job of spokescouncils to represent the event as a whole. Representation - to the media, to others generally - is the province of affinity groups. Spokescouncil is a practical device to facilitate co-operation.
Spokescouncil procedure
A facilitator is given the responsibility of steering the meeting in accordance with the broad consensus of those present. The facilitator has the responsibility of structuring the meeting, keeping to speaking lists, keeping discussion relevant and most importantly to look for consensual solutions/arrangements where possible. A facilitator may also be assisted by someone who�s role is to keep track of the speaking list.
A typical spokescouncil would involve introductions , followed by reportbacks of relevant information, the forming of an agenda (often this may include prioritising and setting time limits), discussion of the agenda items and will end with any final announcements.
The responsibilities of affinity groups are to delegate a 'spoke', and through this person to articulate clear proposals to the meeting at large.