Nothing kills an activist collective or small organisation quicker than dysfunctional internal dynamics.
As our fights for social, racial and climate justice become more difficult, so too can the lateral violence increase as a result of this pressure. This can quickly fester into an unworkable situation. How then can we build effective groups?
Investing in building good facilitation capacity in your group, and a healthy group culture, is one of the single most important things you can do to set yourself up for effective activism and campaigning.
Seeds for Change is one of the best websites for resources on facilitation, group work, effective meetings and managing difficult dynamics including
- Excellent short booklet on facilitation tools
- Effective Groups: Starting them up and keeping them going
Some of our tried and trusted resources for effective groups
Meeting facilitation – the no magic method
Getting unstuck – a classic outlining simple tips for blockages
Rhizome is another great site – useful handout for dealing with challenging behaviours
If your group uses consensus decision making this is a good overview