About the Conference

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The XIIth International Congress On PCP will continue the traditions of the previous congresses to further explore and elaborate ideas initially expressed by George Kelly. In addition, the XIIth International Congress will seek to serve as a gathering place for people who want to explore the value of constructivist perspectives for living in the next millennium. Theorists and practitioners identifying with compatible perspectives such as social constructionism, narrative discourse, postmodernity, self-organization, and other frameworks based on the idea that realities are constructed rather than discovered, are encouraged to join this gathering. This goal will permit discourse among people who want greater possibilities for constructive change in a postmodern world.

The format for this gathering will be designed to facilitate the exploration of theory, research, and professional practices framed by constructivist perspectives. Presenters will be asked to bring written materials that will be made available at a nearby copy center. This will permit more discussion and interaction, and less "paper reading" during the sessions. Discussion and the negotiation of shared meanings will be emphasized in this congress. Such interactions are hoped to encourage collaboration that will enhance problem-solving, adaptability, and survival.

As practiced in previous congresses, the XIIth will have plenary sessions, paper sessions, symposia, workshops, computer demonstrations, and other formal means of sharing ideas. There will frequently be multiple concurrent sessions. There will also be time set aside for group discussions of a more informal, unstructured nature that follow key themes or issues. Opportunities for informal social gatherings will abound, along with refreshment breaks, special social events, and the traditional gala banquet.

This exciting variety of interactions will take place in a private setting at Haggett Hall on the beautiful University of Washington campus. The Conference Center in Haggett Hall overlooks Lake Washington and the Cascade Mountains. Congress participants can lodge in the same building as the Conference Center, or walk to hotels and inns about 15 minutes away. An official pub will also be nearby.

Housing will be available on campus and in hotels within an easy walk of the Congress Center. The University of Washington campus offers a wide range of services to supplement its beauty.

Proposals for Programs and Conference Registration will be due March 30, 1997. Details about proposals and registration will be sent out before February 1, 1997.

If you do not receive information, contact the following people:

For information about proposals for programs:
April Metzler, Lehigh University, 111 Research Drive
Bethlehem, PA 18015-4792
( Phone: (610) 758-6093; FAX: (610) 758-6223; E-mail: aem3@lehigh.edu )
For general information about the Congress:
Jerald Forster, Box 353600, U.of Washington
Seattle, WA 98115-3600
( Phone: (206) 543-4970; FAX: (206) 543-8439; E-mail: counsel@u.washington.edu )