The Actively Caring for People Movement
Cultivating Compassion with AC4P™ - Together, We Actively Care
In 1990, Scott Geller introduced "actively caring" at Exxon Chemical to foster a culture where everyone prioritizes each other's safety. This concept urges people to go beyond their duties for others' well-being consistently. The goal was to prompt widespread action on caring impulses.
Dr. Geller and his Virginia Tech's Center for Applied Behavior Systems team initiated systematic research to enhance Actively Caring for People (AC4P™) behavior in work cultures. Their ongoing efforts expand applications to education and communities, targeting behaviors that impact human welfare.
After the April 16, 2007 Virginia Tech tragedy, Dr. Geller and his team found a renewed focus on AC4P™. Amidst uncertainty, affected individuals prioritized helping others heal, sparking an AC4P™ Movement for cultural change. This strengthened the sense of belonging within the Hokie community and inspired Dr. Geller to extend the movement beyond VT's campus using positive reinforcement.
They upgraded Dr. Geller's green silicon wristbands by adding a numbering system, enabling computer tracking of the AC4P™ process: See, Act, Pass, and Share (SAPS). This process encourages individuals to recognize and reward AC4P™ behavior by passing on wristbands. Recipients are then prompted to document and share these exchanges on the AC4P™ website, fostering positive recognition worldwide.
Consider the value of police officers adopting the AC4P™ process to foster cultures of compassion. Could they implement SAPS? How? This proactive approach could shift officers' perception from reactive enforcers to community servants preventing crime with positive outcomes—a much-needed shift in perception and protocol.
