Appreciative Inquiry (AI) is an energizing and inclusive process that fosters creativity through the art of positive inquiry. It builds new skills in individuals and groups, develops new leaders, encourages a culture of inquiry, and helps create shared vision and purpose by building on an organizationās core values and strengths.
The Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator Training (AIFT) is a foundational program designed to teach you how to facilitate the type of transformative change made possible through Appreciative Inquiry.
In addition to introducing the basic tenets of Appreciative Inquiry (e.g., principles, 5-Ds, and theory), the AIFT delves deeper by providing experiential exercises that will teach you how to work with core teams, define a topic of inquiry, craft generative questions, field test interview protocols, establish action items, and more.
Leaders in businesses and corporations, community development, educational organizations, governmental organizations, and nonprofit organizationsāin short, anyone who wants to learn how to facilitate Appreciative Inquiry.
The AIFT consists of eight (8) modules within the four training segments. Each segment consists of modules containing exercises, readings, and discussions.
Learning Outcomes:
Learning Outcomes:
Learning Outcomes:
Learning Outcomes:
Learning Outcomes:
Learning Outcomes:
Learning Outcomes:
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To obtain a letter of completion (and to be eligible for consideration for AI Facilitator Certification) each participant must complete 26 training hours. Letters of completion include your name, date of your training, and number of classroom hours earned.
The Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator Training (AIFTĀ©) is an intensive certification program consisting of 26 hours of synchronous (live sessions hosted through Zoom) and asynchronous (assigned reading and activities outside of class time) learning over the course of 2 weeks.
During the training, participants will meet four-days each week for two-hours to engage in a training session designed to guide them through the full range and depth of what it means to be an Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator. Below are the dates and times for the synchronous portion for this training:
WEEK 1: | MONDAY | TUESDAY | WEDNESDAY | THURSDAY |
WEEK 2: | MONDAY | TUESDAY | WEDNESDAY | THURSDAY |
We start all synchronous sessions on time and work diligently to maintain the vAIFT schedule, honoring our commitment to the learning experience. We have found full participation to be the most productive for the participants and the trainers. Please note: all times listed above are Pacific Daylight Time (PDT).
The synchronous portions of the vAIFT are highly experiential and will not be recorded. The vAIFT Trainers will be utilizing breakout rooms to develop community and trust amongst participants, conduct paired interviews, and engage in small group discussions and reflections.
To ensure that all participants are off to a strong start, your vAIFTĀ trainers will host a live orientation session via Zoom on Monday, August 5th at 9:00am Pacific Time. Orientation allows you to connect with your trainers, engage with participants, become familiar with LearnDash (our online learning platform), and ask questions about pre-workshop reading and activities prior to your first vAIFT session in Zoom on Monday, August 12, 2024.
The Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator Training (person, virtual, or hybrid) utilizes the textbook, Appreciative Inquiry: Change at the Speed of Imagination (2nd Edition) by Jane Magruder Watkins, Bernard Mohr, and Ralph Kelly.
This book is available in electronic or paperback versions. Please select the version that is in alignment with your learning style and preference. Click on the book cover image to learn more about the book and order your copy.
Participants in this Appreciative Inquiry training program will receive login information to the Center for Appreciative Inquiryās (CAI) online learning platform closer to the training date. We will open the online platform to participants prior to the start of the training. This allows participants time to navigate the software and become acquainted with the various features and tools it offers, introduce themselves to their trainers and other vAIFT participants, and access all pre-workshop reading and materials.
In order to qualify for certification as an Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator with The Center for Appreciative Inquiry, each participant must:
Participants have up to one year from the date of their training to submit their practicum for review. All submitted practicums are reviewed by a panel of seasoned appreciative inquiry practitioners. At least one trainer from your AIFT will also be part of the panel that reviews your practicum. The Review Panel may contact you to engage in a conversation about your work once you have submitted your practicum. Typically, they will respond with questions, to deepen their and your shared understanding of AI. The practicum review is therefore a dialogical and interactive process.
Once certified, your Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator Certification lasts for 2 years and includes: