Appreciative Inquiry and Community Conversations

Community conversations are being used around the world to address complex challenges, to problem solve, to pull people together, to stimulate change and action, share resources and to find innovative solutions.

Dialogue –comes from the Greek words “dia” and “logos” (through, meaning) ; the flow of meaning between people, meaning comes from experience and learning and shapes our thinking and beliefs.  (Born, P. (2008), Community conversations).

Current learning theories reflect the importance of providing an opportunity for dialogue and interaction in order for meaningful learning to take place.  An appreciative inquiry approach to the conversation offers a positive orientation which serves to highlight strengths, possibilities, and potential.

 

Further reading and resources: Appreciative inquiry and community conversations

 

Born, P. (2008) Community Conversations: Mobilizing the Ideas, Skills, and Passion of Community Organizations, Governments, Businesses, and People, BPS Books, Toronto, Canada.

The Tamarack Institute Learning Centre

Brown, J.  and Isaacs, D. The World Cafe Book: 
Shaping Our Futures Through Conversations that Matter

Cooperider, D., Whitney, D., & Stavros, J. (2003). Appreciative inquiry handbook. Bedford Heights, OH: Lakeshore Publishers.

Cooperider, D., & Srivastva, S. (1999). Appreciative inquiry in organizational life. Appreciative management and leadership. Euclid, OH: Lakeshore Communications.

Cooperider, D., Whitney, D., & Stavros, J. (2003). Appreciative inquiry handbook. Bedford Heights, OH: Lakeshore Publishers.