I was drawn to this book because it analyses process that are taken for granted. Many activists like to talk about participatory decision making processes, but have very little experience with the process. This clearly and cleverly designed book will most likely change your attitude to meetings.

The book is divided into three distinct parts. Grounding Principles, Facilitator Fundamentals and Building Sustainable Agreements.

Although the final draft was printed in 1996, the book has been on the make since 1988. Countless drafts and countless peoples' experiences and thoughts have been incorporated in this seminal work on Participatory Decision-Making Processes.

Group Facilitation is based on two principles, "If people don't participate in and own the solution to the problems, or agree to the decision, implementation will, be half hearted at best, probably misunderstood and more likely than not fail".

"The key differentiating factor in the success of an organisation is not just the product and services, not just its technology or market share, but the organisations ability to elicit, harness and focus the vast intellectual capital and good will resident in their members, employees and shareholders".

Before you throw up your hands in horror thinking that this is another one of those "how to make a buck books" that's all the rage as we enter the 21st century, I'd like to draw your attention to the author's "photocopying" policies.

YES: Photocopying portions of this book is encouraged for the purpose of supporting a group you are facilitating.
NO: Photocopying portions of this book to conduct fee for service training requires our written permission.

The Facilitators Guide to Participatory Decision-Making is one of those radical projects that has lessons for radical as well as conservatives. If you are sick of attending meetings that achieve little grab hold of this marvellous tool that may, I hate to say it ­ change your life.