Invitation for ACBS members to become involved in PROSOCIAL,
a framework for improving the efficacy of groups
PROSOCIAL is an ambitious framework for improving the efficacy of groups. It will
consist of an internet platform and a network of facilitators for groups that want to
engage their services.
David Sloan Wilson and other PROSOCIAL organizers are looking to network with
ACBS to help develop a cadre of facilitators. At the ACBS WorldCon X we worked out a
rough plan to do so.
PROSOCIAL is based on a number of core design principles that are required for most
groups to function as cooperative units, no matter what their specific objectives. These
principles are based on the evolutionary dynamics of cooperation in all species and on
the biocultural evolution of our own species.
They are based especially on the work of the late Elinor Ostrom, who received the Nobel
Prize for economics in 2009, and are highly congruent with ACT/RFT principles (indeed
some ACT methods are being used in the piloting of the training programs). This transdisciplinary theoretical framework will be used to improve the efficacy of groups in a
practical sense. Virtually any kind of group can make use of the framework, including
voluntary organizations, schools, and businesses.
The idea, which has received initial funding by the Co-operative Group of the UK (which
oversees thousands of cooperative enterprises worldwide) is that groups will enroll in an
online network and have access to resources that teach the conceptual background
about the design of successful groups. Member groups will evaluate themselves with
respect to a number of core design features required for all groups to function well, to
form goals for improving their performance, and to periodically evaluate their progress.
Groups that join PROSOCIAL will provide information enabling them to locate and
interact with other similar groups, and learn from the experience of other
groups. PROSOCIAL members will pay an annual subscription fee that will be modest
on a per-group basis and will allow the platform to be financially self-sustaining.
PROSOCIAL is designed to be a scientific database in addition to a practical coaching
tool. Groups that become involved will assist in measuring their performance in relation
to the core and auxiliary design principles, so the network can be continuously evaluated
and updated.
If groups want direct help in improving their functioning it will be provided through a
worldwide network of coaches. If the members of EvoSSIG are supportive, launching
this part of the project will be the first major effort of EvoSSIG. ACBS members with the
interest and skills will be taught how to map evolutionary principles to Contextual
Behavioral Science principles, and will learn how to apply their existing ACT / RFT skills
to group development. PROSOCIAL will then make available a list of “life coaches for
groups” based on the professional-level training material that will be part of the platform.
Groups that join PROSOCIAL will not be required to engage a real-life coach, but
coaching services will be available for those groups that want them. One of the first
objectives will thus be to provide training for ACBS members to
become PROSOCIAL facilitators.
PROSOCIAL can provide a new source of clients for ACBS members, in addition to its
intellectual appeal, but perhaps the primary goal is to make a difference. Improvement
in social harmony is desperately needed and ACBS members have a chance to be
involved at the very beginning of this effort to make a positive change in the world.
To learn more about PROSOCIAL, please see the attached prospectus and manuscript
titled “Generalizing the Core Design Principles for the Efficacy of Groups” co-authored
by David Sloan Wilson, Elinor Ostrom, and Michael Cox. Also review the draft article on
“Evolving the Future” by David Sloan Wilson, Steven C. Hayes, Tony, Biglan, and
Dennis Embry.
The plan coming out of WorldCon X is for a small set of those with current access to
groups to explore how to integrate ACT and the design principles. Kevin Polk actually
demonstrated at WCX how he has done so. After several examples are recorded we will
try to weigh the ones that seems to be working best and the training goals and materials
for ACBS members will be generated.
If you are interested in PROSOCIAL email Steve Hayes’s assistant, Brian Cooper
([email protected]). Brian will add you to the list of those wanting more
information. If you mention that you want to be part of EvoSSIG he will also add you to
that list.