This section deals with the main phases of participation, and stresses that success depends on careful preparation. Of course, in reality life is never that tidy, and we find that we are pitched into trying to do things without enough planning. Often it is difficult to see what to do before trying something out, and reflecting on what happened. It may only be then that we find out what the real problem is. This cycle goes on throughout any process to carry out a project or programme.
Participation is no different.
Because participation doesn't run on predetermined tracks it isn't possible to set out a step by step guide - every situation will be different. However there are some key issues which keep cropping up, and some are more important in particular phases. The questions and checklists in this section all relate back to the main question set in the Signposts from theory to practice section. An authority may promote a project. Government may announce funding is available for community-based projects.