When a conflict arises: Talk directly with the person; absolutely no email correspondence to resolve conflict.   If problems arise during the discussion and it gets stalled, find a mediator.  A person from the leadership team would be an option. If the issue is still not resolved and it affects the group as a whole, you can request to have the topic brought up at the next meeting.  For critical issues, leadership may decide to hold an immediate meeting. Resolution is possible in one of two ways: Leadership may decide the course of action without consulting the group. Preferably, leaders bring the topic to the group for a “vote.”  Taking the group choice into account, the leaders then need to decide what is best for the co-op. This group has been characterized by the leadership having weight of decision-making.   HOWEVER, the spirit of the group has been that the leaders are not simply dictators who power-trip on the members.  In fact, it has been just the opposite.  A spirit of “benevolent leadership” is something we value highly and want to keep. The leadership realizes that input of members is critical to the success of the co-op as a whole and member input/influence needs to continue at the level it is currently at. Respecting the decisions made by the members or by leadership is critical for this group to work.  Not everyone will be happy all the time but if we operate out of mutual respect, we should at least be able to peaceably carry on with the co-op’s duty in educating our children.