Contents

M.1. Preamble

Gaming Together has been about Games and Groups, with some words to the wise for the educator and activist. In response to many requests from educators, the Internet Edition has some new features, such as some simplified lines of group theory and a selection of online references. It is by no means a complete games handbook, nor does it address the realm of non-educational groups. There remain a number of issues and areas which are not covered in this, or the original handbook, such as conflict management and bridging, which require specialization beyond the place of games in the group. However, all good things have to come to an end, which is why it was decided to produce this Internet version with a new chapter, designed to help leaders wind up a group (technically known as: dissolution or adjournment).

A group may close down for a number of reasons and in a number of manners, often related to the type of group; this is an entirely normal event in the life of a group when it is a full term closure. However, many groups end or adjourn before their time, because they were dysfunctional - poorly conceived, constituted, or led - while many that close at term may do so without due consideration.

Our focus is the educational, community or student group. The message here is that the way dissolution or " adjourning" happens can impact on the members and/or organization, so the leader needs to understand and prepare for the processes in a planned or accidental event of closure. In addition, while peer-led groups are distinct from open or closed groups led by volunteers and professionals, their winding up processes can also be facilitated.

Games in this chapter offer exercises in evaluation, self-assessment, ceremony, recall, dreams and adjustment to change. The leader will need to combine them in appropriate proportions and lead through to the most appropriate final note for the group or program.

Note: To lead any of these processes successfully, the group leaders and/or organizers should first address their definition of the group, its goals and achievements, both before and after engaging the group in their own process.

The Editors

M.25. Related Games