Books Helping Activists Effectively Use Transaction Skills

Becoming a More Effective Activist
by Using Transaction Skills: Books
(Conflict Resolution, Negotiation, Trust Building, Facilitation, Communication)

Community Conversations: Mobilizing the Ideas, Skills, and Passion of Community Organizations, Governments, Businesses, and People
By Paul Born

Publisher/author summary: Communities around the world are entering a new era of community building. Whether improving economic conditions and reducing poverty, re-energizing citizens and social programs, reducing crime, or revitalizing a troubled neighborhood, they are engaging people from all sectors as never before to work together as equals to improve their quality of life. At the heart of this engagement are community conversations, in which common goals are embraced by a diverse array of people with different backgrounds and needs. More >>

The Consensus Building Handbook: A Comprehensive Guide to Reaching Agreement
By Lawrence E. Susskind, Sarah McKearnen, Jennifer Thomas-Lamar

Publisher/author summary: If you work with others to solve problems and make decisions, you′ve undoubtedly been frustrated by how laborious and conflict-ridden such efforts can be. At all levels – from neighborhood block associations to boards of directors of multinational corporations – the consensus building process is highly effective in an increasingly fragmented, contentious society. By learning to build consensus, stakeholders come to understand and respect one another′s perspectives. More >>

Democratic Dialogue: A Handbook for Practitioners
By Bettye Pruitt & Philip Thomas

Publisher/author summary: A collaborative publication of the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the Organization of American States (OAS), the handbook is tailored to facilitate democratic dialogue at both the community and political levels. For US community activists, the handbook offers evidence-based practices and insights that can be helpful in fostering open communication, consensus-building, and effective conflict resolution. By using the book's strategies, activists can enhance civic engagement and promote a more inclusive and democratic decision-making process in their communities. More >>

Facilitator's Guide to Participatory Decision-Making
By Sam Kaner

Publisher/author summary: Meetings can be much more than merely an occasion for solving a problem or creating a plan. Every well-facilitated meeting is also an opportunity to stretch and develop the perspectives of the individual members, thereby building the strength and capacity of the group. The Facilitator's Guide to Participatory Decision-Making guides readers through the struggle and the satisfaction of putting participatory values into practice. More >>

The Third Side: Why We Fight and How We Can Stop
By William L. Ury

Publisher/author summary: Distilling the lessons of two decades of experience in family struggles, labor strikes, and wars, Ury presents a bold new strategy for stopping fights. He also describes ten practical roles – as managers, teachers, parents, and citizens – that each of us can play every day to prevent destructive conflict. Fighting isn't an inevitable part of human nature, Ury explains. We have a powerful alternative which can transform our daily battles into creative conflict and cooperation at home, at work, and in the world. More >>

More on Becoming a More Effective Activist by Using Transaction Skills: Books

10 Powerful Strategies for Conflict De-Escalation: How To Achieve Conflict Resolution Through Effective Communication
By Simon C. Osamoh

Beyond Neutrality: Confronting the Crisis in Conflict Resolution
By Bernard S. Mayer

Building Communities from the Inside Out: A Path Toward Finding and Mobilizing a Community's Assets
By John P. Kretzmann & John L. McKnight

Building Trust: In Business, Politics, Relationships, and Life
By Robert C. Solomon & Fernando Flores

Conflict Resolution for the Helping Professions: Negotiation, Mediation, Advocacy, Facilitation, and Restorative Justice
By Allan Barsky

The Decision to Trust: How Leaders Create High-Trust Organizations
By Robert F. Hurley

Don’t Think of an Elephant! Know Your Values and Frame the Debate
By George Lakoff

Facilitating with Ease! Core Skills for Facilitators, Team Leaders and Members, Managers, Consultants, and Trainers
By Ingrid Bens

Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In
By Roger Fisher, William L. Ury & Bruce Patton

How to Change: The Science of Getting from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be
By Katy Milkman

The Mediation Process: Practical Strategies for Resolving Conflict
By Christopher W. Moore