PCP Associates and Staff

PCP's Senior Vice President, Robert R. Stains and Associate, Raye Rawls

Shifts Happen! People whose differences have led to polarization and stereotyping can develop better relationships with each other when they participate in effective dialogue.

 

Shifts Matter! The relationships that evolve through dialogue lead to new possibilities for collaboration. This reduces the costs of conflict for individuals, organizations, and society.

Since 1989, PCP has worked in the U.S. and around the world facilitating dialogues on a wide range of contentious issues including abortion, forest management, homosexuality and faith, biodiversity, the use of animals in research, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and many others. In a world bristling with tension, controversy, polarization, and war, PCP aims to reduce rancor in public squares and promote effective communication within organizations and communities. It also provides workshops and customized trainings that teach people how to use its dialogue methods.

 

Core Beliefs: PCP's work is grounded in the belief that better communication and relationships are critical to long-lasting amelioration of conflicts that involve identities, core values, and worldviews. PCP has adopted ideas and practices from family therapy and other disciplines to enhance communication and reduce destructive conflict.

 

Dialogue transforms communication and relationships in ways that make other kinds of change possible. In many conflicts, action can not be taken without first improving mutual understanding and relationships and reducing stereotyping and demonization. Dialogue can lay the groundwork for making decisions or significant collaborative actions.