This manual is intended to help citizen groups set up their own on-the-job training activities, tailored to their own individual needs, issues, learning styles, and experiences. Specifically, it discusses the first steps in group development for members of citizen boards, councils, and grass roots organizations and offers suggestions for improving the way a group functions. The manual begins with a discussion about groups and what unifies them. The text then is divided into eleven sections, beginning with basics such as how to be a facilitator and getting to know the people in a group. Other topics discussed include communicating between group members, observing a group, diagnosing needs, and improving effectiveness. All exercises in the manual appear on single pages so they can be duplicated easily. (Author/LD)