Resources
Here's a selection of our briefings and resources. If you cannot access our resources on-line then please contact us for a paper copy.
We've put some of these resources in Adobe Acrobat format (PDF) so that you
can print them out. PDF can be viewed and printed using Adobe's Acrobat Reader
(available free here), if
you are using a Linux/Unix system you can also use xpdf, gv, kghostview etc.
All our on-line briefings are on one page - this means some are quite large, but are easier to save and view offline.
Groups and Meetings
 Facilitating Meetings
Ever sat through a meeting that has dragged on and on, with tempers running
high, people talking over each other and no decisions being made? This briefing
has tips and advice on facilitating meetings and making them worthwhile.
Web version | PDF - 650k
DRAFT - Facilitating Workshops
Some practical tips for workshop facilitators. If you've ever facilitated a
workshop, you'll know it's different from facilitating a meeting - here's our
guide to help you out.
Draft - currently only available as PDF - 605k
DRAFT - Hand Signals
some of the most
commonly used hand signals used to make meetings run more smoothly, and help the
facilitator spot emerging agreements.
Draft - currently only available as PDF - 320k
Organising Successful Meetings
Good meetings are vital
to working together as a group, whether this is a
campaign group, a self-development or support group. They can make all the
difference between a group feeling motivated and dynamic or a group getting
stuck.
Web version | PDF -
275k
Tools for Meetings
A compilation of exercises that we
have found useful when working in groups and facilitating meetings.
Web version | PDF - 1.8mb
Consensus
Decision Making
Consensus is a decision-making process that works creatively to
include all persons making the decision.
Web version | PDF - 180k
Consensus Flow-chart
A flow-chart of how consensus
can be reached - this complements our briefings on facilitation and
consensus.
Web version | PDF - 5k
DRAFT - Consensus in Large Groups
Consensus decision making is widely
used in grassroots groups across the globe, but people often assume it's a
process that
can only work with a small group of people. This briefing gives you some tools
you can use to make consensus work with larger groups.
Draft - currently only available as PDF - 485k
Access Issues at Meetings
Things to think about when you're planning a meeting or choosing a venue.
Web version | PDF - 225k
Doing it Without Leaders
An introduction to the ideas behind direct democracy and consensus - why should we try to organise in a non-hierarchical way?
Making Decisions by Consensus PDF - 225k
A practical guide to using Consensus in small and large groups.
These two briefings form two chapters in This is Seeds for Change's contribution to A Handbook for Autonomy and Creation shortly to be published by the Trapese Collective.
Practical Skills for Campaigning Groups
Strategy
for Projects and Campaigns
Projects and campaigns usually start
because we feel inspired - our first impulse is to throw ourselves into action straightaway. But if we take
a little time to analyse the situation and to develop a plan of action we can
increase our effectiveness and our chances of success.
Web version | PDF - 205k
Fundraising
for Activists
There are many different ways of raising
money and getting materials and equipment. You'll find some of them in this
simple
guide together with general tips on raising cash and writing funding
applications.
Web version | PDF - 165k
Computers and Linux
Low Cost Computing
Using older hardware for your computing needs (and why you should!)
Linux - what and how?
In this briefing we look at what Linux is, why it is interesting to groups
working on social justice issues, and provide some pointers to help you decide
if Linux is for you.
Linux X-Terminals - or how to use
those old computers to make a network of fast workstations.
How To set up old computers to make a fast and cheap network.
Free Software Bits 'n' Bobs - useful but specific HowTos for various Free Software projects we use.
The views expressed in any linked site are not necessarily those of Seeds for Change Network or its members.
"The training with Seeds for Change was excellent. The session
was prepared to a high standard, and was flexible to our
specific training needs. The training itself was very well
paced, and covered all training areas we required, whilst
maintaining a relaxed feel so that participants did not feel
hurried and could enjoy the day.
"We were left with an array of skills that are directly
relevant to our work, and a set of follow up resources from
Seeds for Change that will be used for years to come. I look
forward to engaging Seeds for Change for future training needs
and workshop facilitation."
- Alexis Anderson, Community Project Manager, Global Action Plan
Seeds for Change: a non-profit activist training co-op
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