The Institute is led by theorist Ari Cowan and includes people dedicated to making strong, tangible and measurable contributions to the lives of others.
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Applying new "social technologies" to challenging human relationships
SpiritRidge Institute collaborates with and incorporates the work of a broad range academics, researchers, educators, mental health professionals, consultants, legislators, advocates, social service professionals, technology specialists and others. The work of the Institute draws from a wide range of disciplines.
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About SpiritRidge Institute
The Challenge
The quality and effectiveness of our our relationships relate directly to the challenges human beings now face. These include economic, environmental, employment, political and social challenges. Activating and applying healthy power to meet these challenges — including the power of purpose, creativity, commitment, excellence, compassion, belonging, respect, enthusiasm, loyalty, wisdom, cooperation and service — is central to the mission of SpiritRidge Institute.
Researching, Developing and Expanding Theoretical Models
SpiritRidge Institute is a research, education and consulting organization located in the Pacific Northwest of the United States. The Institute's current focus is on exploring the ontological questions human beings face and the relationship of these questions to issues of power and control, meaning, value, learning and choices.
The Institute researches these areas and provides educational programs, consulting and coaching based upon the work of theorist Ari Cowan. He introduced a number of evidence-based concepts which are built upon a public health foundation. These include a new way of describing human existence (the "five bodies" concept), a way of describing reality (the "universal field and construct"), and an approach to power which integrates a broad range of diverse disciplines including social theory, neuroscience, the public health approach, developmental theory, attachment theory, learning theory, psychology and physiology.
Moving Beyond Theories
The basic theoretical work by Ari Cowan is divided into three related but independent models:
The Violence Integrative Prevention and Restoration (PAR) Model, which the initial focus of the Institute. PAR Model programs directly address the challenge of violence through training and certification programs and resources. The PAR Model has been demonstrated with outstanding results in a number of venues including schools, international settings and in a Level 5 (maximum security) prison.
The Integrative Conflict Management Model (ICM2), which applies the theoretical foundation of the IPM2 to conflict environments. The Institute is currently expanding its programs for effective civic discourse to help effectively manage the volatile, disruptive, and distracting political dialogue in the United States. The ICM2 is applicable in diplomatic, business, school, family, military, and other settings.
The Integrative Power Management Model (IPM2), which is the foundation for the two models discussed below. IPM2 programs are directed toward building healthy individual and collective power to enhance excellence, performance and quality of life. The IPM2 has applications in many venues including business, school, family, mental health and other settings.
These practical applications of the core theory are directed at solving pressing challenges to human relationships. Collaborative initiatives such as the National Violence Reduction Initiative (NVRI) provide practical programs and materials based upon the models.
Outreach
SpiritRidge Institute divides its outreach efforts into two areas:
Professional development which includes training, trainer certification, consulting, coaching and licensing the models for deployment to qualified professional organizations.
Public resources which include web, audio, video and other media, as well as outreach educational programs, either directly through organizations licensed to deploy the models, or through collaborative efforts with others.
