Project Partners

The A. K. Rice Institute for the Study of Social Systems (AKRI)

AKRI is a national educational institution that advances the study of social systems and group relations. It has eight affiliate organizations around the US and over 240 associates and friends. The Institute seeks to deepen the understanding and the analysis of complex systemic psychodynamic and covert processes which give rise to non-rational behavior in individuals, groups, organizations, communities and nations. Using experiential and participatory theories and methodologies that derive from the Tavistock tradition, the Institute sponsors group relations conferences, research and publications, professional meetings, and training and application events.

Besod Siach (Israel)

Since 1991, Besod Siach, an Organization for the Promotion of Dialogue between Conflict Groups in Israeli Society, has been on the cutting edge of promoting dialogue and innovating methodology for dialogue processes between various conflict groups in Israeli society. Its mission is to transform the antagonistic and intolerant climate within which religious, political, social and ethnic-cultural differences are dealt with in Israel; to promote a pluralistic and democratic value system; and to help leaders from all sides find better solutions to the challenges of mutual co-existence in an evolving Israeli culture.

Group Relations International (GRI)

GRI promotes consciousness for a just world. Our purpose is to increases awareness, access and applicability of group relations learning on authority, identity, and leadership to wider populations. We do so by supporting the creation of experiences in personal and organizational transformation that serve as a catalyst for social justice action.

Innovative Cultural Education and Training Institute, Inc. (ICETI)

The mission of ICETI is to develop, implement, and promote events which increase cultural awareness, serve to bridge the diversity amongst us and strengthen the humanity in each of us. ICETI works to promote the following goals: to create and promote alternative cultural/historical programs and workshops for children and families; to develop and promote multi-cultural books and materials for children and families; to create and provide workshops for parents and professionals focused on cultural awareness; to network with organizations and groups with similar missions; to evaluate and document the models utilized.

Middle East Non-Violence and Democracy (MEND, Palestine)

MEND is a Palestinian NGO and network based in East Jerusalem, which continuously works to promote nonviolence and civil participation. By empowering and educating youth and adults throughout Palestine, MEND has been working to promote alternatives to violence since its establishment in 1998. In addition, MEND encourages a participatory, progressive and positive way for the Palestinian people to create change in their society. MEND’s key achievements have been the creation of a nationwide active nonviolence network, the production of materials such as curricula, films and a radio soap opera, the widespread introduction of techniques of conflict resolution and nonviolence in schools, and the local and international awareness raising about the power and extent of Palestinian nonviolence via speaking engagements, via the campaign, “Smarter without Violence” and via the establishment of a branch in England, MEND UK.

Philadelphia Center for Organizational Dynamics (PCOD)

The Philadelphia Center for Organizational Dynamics (PCOD) is both an independent group relations organization and an affiliate of the A. K. Rice Institute for the Study of Social Systems. It is PCOD's mission to advance the understanding of groups and organizations through the study of their psychodynamic processes. This work is undertaken through research, educational, experiential and consulting activities. PCOD members have experience in a variety of fields, including psychology, business, organizational consulting, and education.

Tracy Wallach