The Groups Guide
Welcome
The Groups Guide contains loads of useful information on all aspects of running a really successful People & Planet group. It has been developed over several years and combines the knowledge and experience of many P&P students and staff.
Discussions in small groups give more people a chance to contribute.
How To Use
This Guide contains the main handouts for all of the workshops (except nonviolent direct action) that People & Planet can do for your group, and much more that we can’t pack into them. You can read and share it online (by clicking on the facebook or twitter icons on the left of every page), or if you print off the pdf version then you can also:
Make notes in the relevant sections as you gain experience for those people who you eventually hand over to.
Reread the Guide as necessary and use it throughout the year.
Photocopy the information and give it to other members of the group – perhaps as part of a skillshare.
Pass the folder to other relevant people in your group.
The Groups guide is being continually updated, so if you have any ideas on how to improve it let us know
Contents
1. Introduction Building your group and key campaign skills
2. Recruiting and Keeping New Members Freshers fair, first meetings and beyond
3. Group Communication Writing inspiring emails and other ways to stay in touch
4. Exhilarating Meetings and Facilitation Icebreakers, speakers, agendas, delegation and tools for facilitation
5. Participatory Decision Making The consensus process and tips for making it work
6. Strategic Campaigns and Actions How to plan a successful overall campaign and effective and exciting individual actions
7. Using Your Students’ Union Getting your SU onboard – including passing policies
8. Lobbying Persuading your MP or Vice Chancellor to do what you want through letter-writing and face-to-face meetings
9. Exploiting the Media Getting your story reported
10. Campaign Communication Sounding convincing on stalls and at talks
11. Creative Skills Good design and prop-making
12. Fundraising One of the most important things your group can do
