The community of concern. An ethical discernment process should include and empower all people relevant to the...

1. Always begin by asking explicitly and methodically: Who else would make this a more adequate community of concern? 2. Remember that the need for the community of concern flows from two considerations: the unavoidable presence of constricted consciousness and the nature of moral choice as beneficence--difficult choices concerning human dignity. 3. Pay special attention to the community of concern at the beginning and at key points throughout the process. 4. Define the primary community of concern so that relevant issues include: The decision's impact on the public, and on values, functions, and relationships expertise needed Buy-in and implementation Existing commitments Individuals at the margin who are consistently forgotten 5. Define the secondary community of concern so that relevant issues include: Determining who beyond this primary group will enrich the process With input In implementation In mitigating the harm that results In what ways and how frequently should these individuals/groups be involved?