Course: Sustainable Development and Human Prosperity (2024)
Faculty Mentor: Laurent Mesbah
by Rebecca Ellison, with contributions from Christine Muller and Arthur Dahl
I have been meeting with a special interest group within a professional organization called the A.K. Rice Institute for the Study of Social Systems, which uses group relations theory to examine systems dynamics. I joined this organization in 2007 to become certified to consult at group relations conferences, and, on occasion, I am invited to join staff to consult with small and large groups. Three years ago, I joined a special interest group focusing on the spiritual dimensions of group relations theory; we meet weekly to consult and share ideas. This group includes three psychologists, four organizational consultants (myself included), and one person with a background in chaplaincy. When I joined this group, I had an idea to host and plan a 3-day spirituality conference.
This is where the timing of this course and my ability to understand and apply principles of public discourse are coming together. I have had difficulty conceptualizing this conference and have used multiple meetings with this group to explore the intersection of spirituality and group relations theory. I started drafting a concept note for this conference, and I feel this particular assignment for Unit 5 applies directly to the themes for this conference.
I think the global solidarity framework will be a good fit for this conference as some of its defining elements center on reflection and consultation skills. The scientific pieces integrate with group relations theory, which we are still working to develop. I do consider the global solidarity framework to be science-based, and I wonder how to introduce it as a scientific approach. If there is interest, I can share aspects of this concept note, although it is still in development.
Response from Instructor Christine Muller
How wonderful, Rebecca, that the resources of this course can assist you in your meaningful work with the special interest group on the spiritual dimensions of group relations theory. It would certainly be interesting if you could share some aspects of your work with us.
Rebecca’s Concept in More Detail
Hi Christine,
Thank you for your response. This approach essentially creates a laboratory experience in which participants can explore their own and group-level dynamics in an open setting that is facilitated by trained consultants. The theoretical underpinnings are based on works by British psychoanalyst Wilfred Bion.
In this video, two professors from Teachers College at Columbia University explain the group relations methodology, typically used as part of a training program for their students. While I was not a student at Teachers College, I have trained and worked with both professors.
As there are many variations of this type of conference worldwide, we will attempt to adapt some of the theories and methods while capturing the richness of the learning space. As conference organizers, we provide structure and management for a safe learning environment.
In [Arthur Dahl’s] review of Paul Hanley’s book “Eleven,” I read that Hanley “acknowledges that the personal and intergenerational trauma people carry as a result of oppression and abuse are a significant obstacle in the way of building a positive vision of the future, but people can be resilient under extreme duress. The real problem we face in meeting the needs of a full world has less to do with physical capacity and more to do with human moral capacity. We will have to become socially unified; to govern ourselves in a new, non-partisan way; to be more egalitarian and service-oriented; to be less materialistic; to adopt a vision that is global, not confined to ourselves or our class, religion, or nation; and to learn how to mobilize for change.”
The concept of resilience can be explored within a group and communal context. I agree our challenge is multi-faceted and we must consider the possibility that solutions need to be crowdsourced and localized. Nothing is flawed about the design, but perhaps we are still expanding our capacity to meet today’s and tomorrow’s challenges! With this conference, we hope to impart a vision of what is possible when committed people decide to learn and grow in a learning environment.
Response from Instructor Arthur Dahl
Rebecca, your approach can certainly draw on the principles of Bahá’í consultation, encouraging sharing views and experiences as offerings to the whole without feeling the need to be attached or defensive. It might help if the participants share some of their own experiences of spirituality, as this can strengthen bonds within the group and build an appreciation of both the varieties of experience and what they have in common.
Rebecca’s Response to Arthur
Yes! This is the plan! I’m the only Bahá’í in this group. The members would like to hold it at a Bahá’í center but are open to any appropriate location in California, where most of us currently live.
