What is Appreciative Inquiry? (AI) is an energizing approach for sparking positive organizational change and group/community development. AI focuses on what is working well (appreciative) by engaging people in asking questions and telling stories (inquiry). This focus on the positive generates life within the organization/group/community allowing it to move effectively towards its goals.
AI is a way of being and seeing. It is both a worldview and a process for facilitating positive change in human systems. Its assumption is simple: every human system has something that works right – things that give it life when it is vital, effective and successful. AI begins by identifying this positive core and connecting to it in ways that heighten energy, sharpen vision, and inspire action for change.
Since the 1980s, AI has been used to bring about collaborative and strengths-based change in communities and organizations worldwide. Working with Joan McArthur-Blair and Jeanie Cockell, co-authors of Appreciative Inquiry in Higher Education: A Transformative Force, participants will:
* Explore basic theory, concepts, models and uses of Appreciative Inquiry
* Engage in an appreciative inquiry using the 5 D model (Define, Discover, Dream, Design and Deliver)
* Explore ways to apply AI in their own organizations/groups.
Program Cost: $690 ($590 tuition + $100 meals and lodging)
Local Price: $643 (program cost without overnight, without breakfast)
Please register at least 2 weeks in advance to secure your place in this program
Leadership
Dr. Jeanie Cockell
Dr. Jeanie Cockell, Co-president, Cockell McArthur-Blair Consulting, is an educational and organizational consultant who specializes in collaboratively designing strategies to surface the wisdom of individuals, groups and organizations in order for them to build positive futures and to respond effectively to change. She built her consulting practice out of her broad background in adult education, including teaching and college leadership roles. She travels across Canada, the US and internationally to deliver workshops, speak at conferences, and consult for clients from public, private and social profit sectors.
Dr. Joan McArthur-Blair
Dr. Joan McArthur-Blair, Co-President of Cockell McArthur-Blair Consulting, is a writer, speaker and facilitator. After more than 25 years of institutionally based work as an educator in roles from faculty to president, she has returned to her loves of writing, speaking and facilitating, and works with groups of all kinds to make a positive difference. Joan specializes in the use of Appreciative Inquiry to foster leadership, strategic planning and innovative strategies for organizational development. She also provides short term leadership through executive-to-go services. She is currently authoring Working Resilience.
Camille Dumond
Camille Dumond, Program Resource Group (PRG) facilitator, works as an adult educator, facilitator and as a registered Counselling Therapist candidate. She is committed to group work that invites healing and accountability. Camille helped develop the Transforming the Trauma of Racism program, Truth and Reconciliation Commission Youth Retreat and Women in Recovery from Addiction retreats at the Tatamagouche Centre. Drawing on the traditions of popular education, Camille brings creativity, fun, depth, a critical analysis and attention to relationships in all of her work with groups.