Getting Started with the ProSocial Process
A practical introduction for groups who want to work better together
This starter guide introduces the ProSocial Process — a simple, evidence-based approach that helps groups strengthen trust, clarify shared purpose, and improve how they work together. Drawing on evolutionary science, behavioral psychology, and Elinor Ostrom’s Nobel Prize-winning design principles, the guide provides practical tools for groups to reflect on their dynamics and experiment with more effective ways of collaborating.
Designed for teams, community groups, boards, classrooms, and organizations, the guide walks groups through four structured steps that can be completed across several meetings. These practices help groups observe their patterns of interaction, increase individual awareness, and build shared understanding about how decisions are made, conflicts are handled, and cooperation is maintained.
No prior experience with ProSocial is required. The guide is intended as a lightweight entry point for groups who want to try the process together and explore what more cooperative, effective collaboration could look like in practice.
