Introduction to Appreciative Inquiry: Foundations & Applications
2024-01-01 - 2034-01-01 | Self-Directed Online Course
DISCOVER THE POWER OF APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY
Appreciative Inquiry (AI) is a collaborative, strengths-based approach that focuses on identifying and amplifying “what’s working” to drive meaningful transformation. This self-paced, asynchronous program invites you to delve into AI’s foundational theories, principles, and the 5-D process through experiential exercises designed to foster discovery, reflection, and implementation. By embracing the AI methodology, you can cultivate stronger relationships, promote meaningful engagement, and inspire positive change in various aspects of your life.
WHY APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY WORKS
The AI 5-D Cycle is a proven framework for unlocking potential, fostering positive change by leveraging strengths, engaging diverse perspectives, and inspiring action. It provides a structured yet flexible process that supports individuals and organizations in identifying opportunities, envisioning possibilities, and designing pathways toward sustainable success. The AI 5-D Cycle builds on what is working well to generate meaningful and lasting impact across personal growth, team dynamics, leadership development, and organizational transformation.
WHAT THIS COURSE OFFERS
This course equips you with essential tools and insights to apply Appreciative Inquiry effectively across various contexts.

Deepen Your Understanding of AI Principles. Gain a deep understanding of the original and emergent principles of Appreciative Inquiry and how they shape the way we think, interact, and lead. Apply these principles to strengthen leadership, reframe challenges, and inspire meaningful engagement.

Explore the Research & Theories Supporting AI. Delve into the scientific research, theories, and psychological principles that support strengths-based approaches to change. Learn how neural pathways influence behavior, apply the PERMA model to enhance well-being, and recognize how social interactions shape knowledge and reality.

Harness the Power of the AI 5-D Cycle. Experience each phase of the AI 5-D Cycle – Define, Discover, Dream, Design, and Destiny – and learn how this structured approach fosters collaboration, sparks innovation, and drives meaningful change.

Strengthen Communication & Mindset. Recognize the power of storytelling and appreciative questioning to shift paradigms and foster productive, engaging conversations. Develop a strengths-based mindset that amplifies positive emotions, reframes challenges, and opens doors to new possibilities.

YOUR AI LEARNING JOURNEY: EXPLORE, LEARN, & APPLY
This comprehensive AI foundations course consists of five engaging modules, each designed to build your knowledge and application of AI. Each lesson offers hands-on exercises, real-world applications, actionable strategies, and reflection prompts to deepen your understanding and application of AI in a meaningful way. Module 1: FOUNDATIONS OF APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY
At its core, Appreciative Inquiry (AI) is a transformational approach to change that invites us to explore strengths, successes, and possibilities through generative questions. This module introduces AI as a dynamic framework that fosters meaningful dialogue, shifts perspectives, and amplifies what works. You will examine the power of storytelling, compare two approaches to human learning and change, and trace AI’s evolution as it continues to shape personal, organizational, and community transformation. Number of Lessons: 4
Estimated Time to Complete: 5-7 Hours Module 2: SUPPORTING RESEARCH & THEORIES OF APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY
What makes strength-based approaches like Appreciative Inquiry so powerful? This module explores the research, theories, and disciplines that reinforce AI’s effectiveness in shaping learning, behavior, and belief systems. You will examine how AI influences the way we think, act, and relate to others, drawing on insights from neuroscience, psychology, and positive organizational scholarship.
By engaging with key concepts like neural pathways, positive emotions, and expectancy theory, you will uncover why AI fuels innovation, well-being, and sustainable change.
Number of Lessons: 6
Estimated Time to Complete: 10-12 Hours Module 3: PRINCIPLES OF APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY
Appreciative Inquiry is built on a foundation of guiding principles that shape the way we engage, inquire, and create change. In this module, you will explore both the original and emergent AI principles, understanding their role in fostering curiosity, inclusion, and generative conversations.
Through experiential activities and reflective dialogue, you will deepen your awareness of how these principles shape your way of being, thinking, and doing — both personally and professionally.
Number of Lessons: 10
Estimated Time to Complete: 18-20 Hours Module 4: APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY 5-D CYCLE
The Appreciative Inquiry 5-D Cycle — Define, Discover, Dream, Design, and Destiny — provides a structured yet flexible framework for creating meaningful change. In this module, you will experience the full AI cycle firsthand, applying each phase to a personal Appreciative Visioning Plan.
Through interactive exercises and reflection, you will gain practical skills in crafting compelling questions, conducting appreciative interviews, envisioning possibilities, and designing action plans that inspire and sustain positive momentum.
Number of Lessons: 5
Estimated Time to Complete: 6-8 Hours Module 5: APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY IN ACTION
Challenges and opportunities come in all shapes and sizes. Appreciative Inquiry (AI) is a dynamic and adaptable approach that has sparked the development of innovative programs, frameworks, and workshops worldwide. This module highlights AI’s versatility and scalability by exploring its impact across leadership, team development, community engagement, and personal growth.
You will examine real-world applications, engage with methodologies like SOAR, Appreciative Living, and Conversations Worth Having, and analyze case studies that illustrate AI’s ability to create meaningful and sustainable change.
Number of Lessons: 6
Estimated Time to Complete: 5-7 Hours
LEARNING OUTCOMES
By the end of this course, you will be able to:

Recognize the power of storytelling and its ability to shape perspectives, reframe challenges, and foster engagement.

Understand the difference between the AI Process (doing) and Principles of AI (being) and how they influence leadership, collaboration, and organizational change.

Apply the AI 5-D Cycle to develop strengths-based strategies that foster innovation, collaboration, and meaningful transformation.

Facilitate strengths-based conversations that inspire engagement, innovation, and positive change in teams, organizations, and communities.

Strengthen leadership skills by integrating appreciative, future-focused visioning into decision-making and strategic planning.

Reframe challenges into opportunities by applying AI principles to problem-solving, team dynamics, and organizational growth.

Integrate AI methodologies into daily practices to build a culture of strengths, resilience, and sustainable impact.

PRE-REQUISITES
There are no pre-requisites to participate in this Appreciative Inquiry foundations course.
DESIGNED FOR
Anyone who wants to make positive and lasting change within themselves, their teams, organizations, and communities.
ADDITIONAL COURSE INFORMATION
DELIVERY FORMAT
The Introduction to Appreciative Inquiry: Foundations and Applications is a self-directed course with no required live or virtual sessions. Enjoy the flexibility to access materials, complete activities, and apply AI techniques whenever and wherever it works best for you. Designed for diverse learning styles, this course incorporates text, graphics, videos, and downloadable activities. All materials are available online through LearnDash, the Center for Appreciative Inquiry’s learning management system. To support your learning experience, we have created a series of instructional videos designed to help you navigate LearnDash and maximize its features. The link to this playlist will be included in your registration confirmation email. COURSE ACCESS
Gain immediate access to the Introduction to Appreciative Inquiry: Foundations and Applications course upon registration. Course access remains available for one (1) year from the date of registration. During this time, participants are encouraged to log into LearnDash to download and save all materials, activities, and resources for future reference. CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION
Certificates of Completion are available to all participants. To obtain a letter, participants must complete the training and submit course feedback. Certificates of Completion include the participant’s name, the name of the completed course, and the number of training hours offered by the course. The Introduction to Appreciative Inquiry: Foundations and Applications self-directed course offers 55 training hours.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Do you have questions, need assistance with registration, want to inquire about group rates, or request a private training session for your team or organization? If so, please email Kathy Becker at Kathy@CenterForAppreciativeInquiry.net.

Exploring the Principles of Appreciative Inquiry
2024-12-12 - 2144-12-11 | Self-Directed Online Course
DISCOVER THE PRINCIPLES THAT DRIVE POSITIVE CHANGE
Unlock the transformative power of Appreciative Inquiry by diving into its core principles that inspire strength-based, positive change. Exploring the Principles of Appreciative Inquiry is a self-directed course designed to help you apply AI principles to foster growth, resilience, and innovation in both personal and professional settings. This course explores both the original and emergent principles of Appreciative Inquiry, equipping you with practical tools and strategies to foster meaningful conversations, inspire collaboration, and create a culture of possibility. While this course functions as a standalone experience, it is also one module of the Introduction to Appreciative Inquiry online program. Throughout the course, you may encounter references to the full program, offering additional context and deeper insights to enhance your learning experience.
WHY THE APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY PRINCIPLES MATTER
The principles of Appreciative Inquiry offer more than theoretical insights—they provide a practical framework for transforming conversations, reframing challenges, and co-creating a brighter future. Through these principles, you’ll learn how to focus on strengths, possibilities, and innovation rather than problems, ensuring that your interactions lead to positive outcomes in leadership, team dynamics, and personal growth. These tools empower you to navigate challenges with resilience and spark collaborative transformation in any setting.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
As a fully engaged participant, you will leave this workshop better able to:

Identify and challenge your assumptions, biases, and values and recognize their impact on your actions.

Increase self-awareness through reflection and action.

Engage in inclusive, generative, strengths-based conversations.

Demonstrate how AI principles influence your way of being, thinking, and doing.

Foster inclusive, strength-based conversations.

Apply AI principles to real-world scenarios.

Strengthen leadership skills through positive, future-focused visioning.

Reframe challenges to strengthen personal resilience and growth.

COURSE TOPICS
This online course includes 10 engaging topics, each focused on an Appreciative Inquiry principle. Through reflective exercises, journaling, and practical applications, you will deepen your understanding of how to implement AI principles to real-world contexts. The course offers flexibility for self-paced learning, with an estimated completion time of 18-20 hours. Topic 1: CONSTRUCTIONIST PRINCIPLE
Explore how the language and conversations we engage in shape our reality – emphasizing the importance of using positive, generative dialogue to create meaningful connections and drive change. Topic 2: SIMULTANEITY PRINCIPLE
This topic illustrates the concept that inquiry and change happen simultaneously. You’ll explore how asking the right questions can initiate immediate positive shifts in thinking and behavior. Topic 3: ANTICIPATORY PRINCIPLE
Learn how envisioning a positive future influences present actions. This topic shows how creating hopeful images of what’s possible motivates individuals and teams to align their efforts toward that future. Topic 4: POETIC PRINCIPLE
Focus on the idea that reality is open to endless interpretations, just like a poem. This topic encourages you to explore how shifting focus to strengths and successes opens up new possibilities for growth and change. Topic 5: POSITIVE PRINCIPLE
Delve into the power of positive emotions in sustaining growth and innovation. This topic explores how fostering joy, gratitude, and optimism can energize individuals and teams to achieve lasting change. Topic 6: WHOLENESS PRINCIPLE
Discover the power of inclusivity and collective engagement. This topic highlights how embracing diverse voices fosters connection, shared purpose, and resilient communities. Topic 7: ENACTMENT PRINCIPLE
Embodying the change you wish to see creates momentum for transformation. This topic explores the link between living your values and generating positive outcomes. Topic 8: FREE CHOICE PRINCIPLE
Explore how autonomy inspires creativity and engagement. This topic highlights the power of choice in fostering commitment to meaningful change. Topic 9: NARRATIVE PRINCIPLE
Delve into the transformative power of storytelling. You’ll explore how focusing on positive stories and reframing challenges can inspire new perspectives and drive change. Topic 10: AWARENESS PRINCIPLE
Learn how self-awareness of biases, assumptions, and perspectives enhance authenticity and fosters deeper, more inclusive connections.
COURSE IDEAL FOR…
Whether you are new to Appreciative Inquiry or looking to deepen your knowledge, this course is ideal for leaders, facilitators, team members, educators, and anyone looking to cultivate positive, strength-based change in their personal or professional lives. Please note: upon registration, you will gain access to all course materials for a full year, beginning on your registration date. This flexibility allows you to learn at your own pace and revisit, download, and save the content whenever needed during your access period.

Cultivating Appreciative Presence
2024-12-24 - 2144-12-25 | Self-Directed Online Course
LIVE AUTHENTICALLY WITH APPRECIATIVE PRESENCE

Are you ready to take your Appreciative Inquiry practice to a whole new level? This ground-breaking on-demand course introduces Appreciative Presence – a transformative approach that cultivates the mindset essential for successful and impactful Appreciative Inquiry.

WHY APPRECIATIVE PRESENCE MATTERS
Many of us approach life through an “either/or” lens, where we feel compelled to choose between opposing ideas, such as focus versus openness or challenge versus appreciation. Appreciative Presence shifts this mindset to a “both-and” framework, encouraging the integration of contrasting concepts. This practice fosters adaptability and balance, allowing us to remain mindful and present during challenges while cultivating a perspective of gratitude, potential, and possibility. By embracing this duality, we open ourselves to richer and more nuanced experiences.
Through mindfulness practices, self-reflection exercises, and the latest research in neuroscience, you’ll gain the tools to develop a core mindset, deepen connections, and foster meaningful change in your personal and professional life

COURSE OBJECTIVES
As a fully engaged participant, you will leave this course better able to:

Understand Appreciative Presence. Gain a foundational understanding of what Appreciative Presence is and explore how mindfulness and appreciation are woven together.

Practical Integration. Apply the tenets and practices of Appreciative Presence across personal, professional, and relational contexts.

Adopt a Mindful Approach. Cultivate a mindset that integrates presence and appreciation in everyday interactions.

Foster Authentic Connections. Build stronger relationships through mindful engagement and appreciative practices.

Develop Sustainable Practices. Establish lasting habits that reinforce mindfulness, appreciation, and connection.

Lead with Purpose. Leverage your Appreciative Presence practice to inspire growth and positive change for yourself and others.

COURSE TOPICS

This online course includes 7 engaging topics, each offering opportunities for reflection and practical application. Through targeted exercises designed to ground, elevate, and expand your Appreciative Presence, you will deepen your understanding of how mindfulness and appreciation shape meaningful connections.
Explore the essence of Appreciative Presence by reflecting on how to “be” AI before “doing” AI. This foundational topic introduces the importance of cultivating an appreciative way of being that aligns with authenticity, courage, and mindfulness. It highlights the transformative power of adopting a “both-and” mindset that embraces complexity and fosters resilience.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Understand the essence of Appreciative Presence and its role in Appreciative Inquiry.

Explore how mindfulness and appreciation create balance.

Recognize how presence strengthens personal and professional connections.

Navigate challenges authentically and with resilience.

Align intentions and attention with Appreciative Presence principles.

Explore the advantages of practicing Appreciative Presence, focusing on its role in enhancing well-being and fostering deeper connections. Through mindfulness, emotional regulation, and self-awareness, you’ll discover how integrating these practices can promote resilience, focus, and a deeper sense of holistic balance.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Understand how Appreciative Presence integrates mindfulness to improve overall well-being.

Explore the connection between self-awareness and emotional regulation.

Strengthen your ability to focus and stay present.

Recognize the benefits of deepening the mind-body connection.

Enhancing Integration and Emotional Regulation

Building Mind-Body Connection for Holistic Growth

Discover the five layers of Appreciative Presence, guided through a journey of self-awareness, alignment, and connection. Each layer builds on the previous, cultivating a holistic awareness that integrates your physical, emotional, and cognitive experiences. By exploring these layers, you’ll deepen your presence and foster authentic connections with yourself and others.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Cultivate awareness of the present moment through grounding techniques.

Explore emotions and thoughts with openness and clarity.

Align physical sensations, emotions, and thoughts to create inner harmony.

Foster authentic connections by extending presence outward.

Recognize the ripple effect of Appreciative Presence on relationships and interactions.

Examine the core motivations behind cultivating Appreciative Presence. By uncovering biases like negativity and implicit bias, understand how these unconscious tendencies shape perceptions and interactions. Build awareness to navigate challenges with discernment and foster equitable, appreciative connections.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Reflect on the motivations behind cultivating Appreciative Presence.

Understand the impact of negativity and implicit biases on perceptions and relationships.

Develop strategies to recognize and challenge unconscious biases.

Cultivate a balanced approach to navigating challenges with appreciation.

Promote equity and discernment in interactions and decision-making.

Explore the powerful role of intention in shaping your experiences and future. By reflecting on what motivates us to cultivate Appreciative Presence, we uncover the deeper values and aspirations that guide our actions. This practice enables us to engage fully with the present moment while setting purposeful intentions for growth and connection.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Reflect on the implicit motivations behind cultivating Appreciative Presence.

Understand how intention influences thoughts, behaviors, and personal growth.

Explore the relationship between present awareness and future aspirations.

Recognize the role of responsibility in addressing challenges and fostering growth.

Develop strategies to align present actions with meaningful intentions.

Master the art of focusing your attention amidst modern distractions, balancing awareness with engagement. By balancing spacious awareness with focused engagement, you’ll learn how to direct your energy toward what truly matters. Through practice, you’ll cultivate mental clarity, agility, and stability, empowering you to navigate life with greater intentionality and presence.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Understand the importance of balancing focused attention with spacious awareness.

Develop practices to maintain mental clarity and stability in a complex world.

Recognize how attention directs energy and shapes meaningful connections.

Cultivate the ability to appreciate and focus on what truly matters.

Apply strategies to strengthen attention and resilience in daily life.

Reflect on your journey into Appreciative Presence by exploring embodied awareness and alignment, emphasizing the importance of grounding and centering yourself through aligned listening and mindfulness. Discover the transformative balance between appreciating challenges and honoring growth, showcasing how Appreciative Presence transcends techniques to become a way of being and doing.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Develop practical strategies to sustain Appreciative Presence.

Reflect on the significance of embodied awareness and alignment.

Explore how grounding enhances mindfulness and appreciation.

Understand how “being” and “doing” intersect in Appreciative Inquiry.

Recognize challenges as pathways for growth and learning.

WHO SHOULD ENROLL?
Whether you are new to Appreciative Inquiry or looking to deepen your knowledge, this course is ideal for:

Leaders, facilitators, and coaches aiming to strengthen their Appreciative Inquiry practices.

Professionals seeking to improve self-awareness, communication, and relational skills.

Individuals looking to create a more mindful, appreciative, and balanced life.

DELIVERY FORMAT
The Cultivating Appreciative Presence online program is an asynchronous, self-paced course. An asynchronous online course is a fully online course with no required virtual or face-to-face (live) sessions. This course offers flexibility to access instructional materials and resources, complete activities, and practice techniques and skills essential to the learning goals for this course at time, place, and location that works best for you. Estimated completion time for this course is 10-12 hours. All course materials and activities are located online and can be found on LearnDash, the Center for Appreciative Inquiry’s learning management system. Please note: upon registration, you will gain access to all course materials for a full year, beginning on your registration date. This flexibility allows you to learn at your own pace and revisit, download, and save the content whenever needed during your access period.

Virtual Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator Training (vAIFT)
2025-03-03 09:00 - 2025-03-13 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
FACILITATE POSITIVE CHANGE USING APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY

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 organization’s 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.
DESIGNED FOR:
Leaders in businesses and corporations, community development, educational organizations, governmental organizations, and nonprofit organizations–in short, anyone who wants to learn how to facilitate Appreciative Inquiry.
TRAINING SEGMENTS:

The AIFT consists of eight (8) modules within the four training segments. Each segment consists of modules containing exercises, readings, and discussions.
DEFINE AI AND BUILD COMMUNITY
Learning Outcomes:

Build community collaboratively in order to function in a strong learning community.

Reflect on how you will build community in the future as an AI facilitator.

Define appreciative inquiry.

Develop a common understanding what appreciative inquiry is and how it is applied.

EXPERIENCE APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY
Learning Outcomes:

Experience the five generic processes of appreciative inquiry as they apply to designing your learning within the AIFT.

UNCOVER THE POWER OF APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY
Learning Outcomes:

Identify and ingrate key theory components of appreciative inquiry to support your foundations as an AI facilitator.

CREATE TOPICS OF INQUIRY AND INTERVIEW GUIDES
Learning Outcomes:

Identify an affirmative topic for an inquiry and modify the generic interview guide.

Reflect on facilitator considerations.

KEY AI FACILITATION CONSIDERATIONS
Learning Outcomes:

Assess and integrate key appreciative inquiry facilitation considerations.

Learn about Core Teams and their role in the AI Process.

Learn various forms of AI engagement.

GROUND APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY IN EVIDENCE
Learning Outcomes:

Discover the research and evidence that underpins the work of appreciative inquiry and integrate these ideas into your facilitation toolkit.

LIVE AND FACILITATE APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY
Learning Outcomes:

Integrate facilitator skills and knowledge and seek to clarify how you will process as an AI facilitator.

Learn about the four clusters of competencies in developing emotional and social intelligence.

Create a personal action plan around the topic of “being your best as a facilitator”.

GROUND APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY IN EVIDENCE
Learning Outcomes:

Learn about the requirements needed to earn your Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator Certification from The Center for Appreciative Inquiry.

Utilize a checklist for designing and facilitating systems change.

AIFT SCHEDULE:

The Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator Training (AIFT©) 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:
MONDAYMarch 3, 20259:00am-11:00am (PDT)
TUESDAYMarch 4, 20259:00am-11:00am (PDT)
WEDNESDAYMarch 5, 2025 9:00am-11:00 am (PDT)
THURSDAYMarch 6, 20259:00am-11:00am (PDT)
WEEK 2:
MONDAYMarch 10, 20259:00am-11:00am (PDT)
TUESDAYMarch 11, 20259:00am-11:00am (PDT)
WEDNESDAYMarch 12, 20259:00am-11:00am (PDT)
THURSDAYMarch 13, 20259:00am-11:00am (PDT)

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.
ORIENTATION
To ensure that all participants are off to a strong start, we will host a LIVE ORIENTATION SESSION – Monday, February 24, 2025 at 9 a.m. PT. This session will include an overview of course timelines, learning objectives, and a walk-through of the online platform. It’s also a chance to connect with trainers and other participants. If you’re unable to attend, the session will be recorded.
ADDITIONAL COURSE INFORMATION

REQUIRED TEXTBOOK

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 aligns with your learning style and preference. Click on the book cover image to learn more about the book and order your copy.
METHOD OF DELIVERY
Participants in this Appreciative Inquiry training program will receive login information to the Center for Appreciative Inquiry’s (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.
LETTER OF COMPLETION

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.
CERTIFICATION PROCESS:

REQUIREMENTS
In order to qualify for certification as an Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator with The Center for Appreciative Inquiry, each participant must:

Actively participate in an Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator Training (AIFT).

Design and facilitate an appreciative inquiry engagement for a team, organization, group, or community using the 5-D Appreciative Inquiry process. Your AIFT trainers serve as an advisor to you during your practicum – at no extra cost.

Complete and submit a practicum (narrative) for review. Practicums demonstrate your understanding and application of Appreciative Inquiry by sharing your facilitation experience, learnings, insights, and outcomes.

PRACTICUM REVIEW

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.
WHAT’S INCLUDED

Once certified, your Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator Certification lasts for 2 years and includes:

An Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator Certification document for your records;

Permission to use of the Center for Appreciative Inquiry Certification logo to embed on your website or include in your email signature;

Exclusive access to content and events reserved only for certified AI Community Members.

A free profile listing on our Appreciative Inquiry Directory for the duration of your certification. Learn more about the benefits of our AI Directory here.

Conversation Bootcamp
2025-03-04 09:00 - 2025-03-06 11:30 | Virtual Event
FUEL PRODUCTIVE AND MEANINGFUL ENGAGEMENT
Conversations are at the heart of everything we do and are essential to effective communications, leadership, high performing teams, and strong relationships. We know that conversations influence us, but we rarely stop to think about how much they affect our well-being, the well-being of others, or the health of our organizations and communities. Communication remains the top issue for organizations, teams, and relationships. Most people struggle to effectively communicate when they are frustrated, angry, hurt, or facing conflict. The effects of poor communication are costly and show up in organizations as:

Employee disengagement, malaise, and turnover;

Dysfunctional teams;

Poor performance;

Inability to give and receive critical feedback;

Negative attitudes, cliques, and gossip: a culture of “me”.

If you’re dealing with any of these outcomes, the Conversation Bootcamp from Conversations Worth Having will give you the skills and tools to turn them around. This program is grounded in Appreciative Inquiry, one of the most widely used positive change approaches. Two simple Appreciative Inquiry practices can turn your entire culture around, creating a culture of conversations worth having.
BOOTCAMP DATES AND TIMES:
The Conversation Bootcamp consists of two virtual sessions with each session lasting 2.5 hours. Below are the dates and times of both bootcamp sessions.
SESSION 1
SESSION 2
TUESDAYMarch 4, 2025
THURSDAYMarch 6, 2025﻿
9:00am-11:30am Pacific Time12:00pm-2:30pm Eastern Time
9:00am-11:30am Pacific Time12:00pm-2:30pm Eastern Time

Please note: ALL virtual sessions for this conversation bootcamp will be recorded and saved for participants who are unable to attend a scheduled webinar. Links to the recordings will be provided so that participants can view/listen to the recording at a time that works best for them.
CONVERSATION BOOTCAMP OVERVIEW:
The Conversation Bootcamp is grounded in Appreciative Inquiry, one of the most widely used positive change approaches. Two simple Appreciative Inquiry practices – positive framing and generative questions – can turn your entire culture around, creating a culture of conversations worth having. Get the tools needed to help you establish communication practices that support productivity, engagement, high performance teams, regular feedback, positivity, and a culture of “we.”
BOOTCAMP MODULES
The Conversation Bootcamp consists of four (4) modules. Click on any of the module titles below to display the purpose and learning objectives for each session.
THE POWER OF CONVERSATION
PURPOSE: Understand the nature of our conversations, how they affect human being and doing, and develop your ability to choose. LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
• Choose to be intentional with your conversations.
• Experience the nature of your conversations and the effects they have on you and others.
• Use mindfulness tools to shift reactionary communication to deliberate conversation.
THE ART OF ASKING QUESTIONS

PURPOSE: Understand the basics of Appreciative Inquiry and improve your ability to ask generative questions to foster effective communication. LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
• Choose curiosity over knowing and assuming.
• Experience the impact Appreciative Inquiry has on individual and organizational capacity.
• Use generative questions to shift the dynamics of personal and workplace communication problems.
INTENTIONAL FRAMING

PURPOSE: Use positive framing to intentionally foster effective communication and continue to develop your ability to ask generative questions. LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
• Use flipping to frame workplace communication issues.
• Experience flipping negative conversations to conversations worth having.
• Develop generative questions to fuel productive and meaningful engagement around workplace challenges.
STEP UP TO FEEDBACK

PURPOSE: Develop the skill and the motivation to routinely seek out feedback and promptly provide effective feedback, even in the most critical of situations LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
• Adopt a learning mindset to support openness and interest in feedback.
• Experience and choose to change feedback avoidance patterns.
• Use effective feedback strategies with common workplace situations.
BOOTCAMP OUTCOMES
Following this bootcamp, participants will be prepared to:

Keep your cool when you want to explode!

Effectively challenge assumptions and preconceptions, including yours.

Deal with conflict quickly and effectively.

Fuel productive and meaningful engagement.

Communicate successfully with people who hold negative attitudes or defensive positions.

Give and receive critical feedback in ways that promote learning and high performance.

Ask the kind of questions that deepen understanding, strengthen connections, and inspire possibility.

Talk with colleagues in ways that invite them to collaborate on projects and strategic outcomes.

Listen with genuine curiosity.

Frame any conversation, even one around a highly complex problem, to inspire creative and innovative thinking and solutions.

ADDITIONAL BOOTCAMP INFORMATION

METHOD OF DELIVERY
These live events will be delivered and recorded using Zoom. You can participate in these live events using any device: computer, tablet, or mobile. Please participate using the dial-in method you feel most comfortable with. Additional bootcamp details will be provided by your trainers in two separate emails: the first sent two weeks prior to the event and the second one week before the bootcamp begins. We invite you to learn more about the STRATEGIC CONVERSATION BOOTCAMP also offered in partnership with Conversations Worth Having.
SUGGESTED READING

The Conversations Worth Having (CWH) Bootcamps are built upon the book, Conversations Worth Having: Using Appreciative Inquiry to Fuel Productive and Meaningful Engagement (2nd Edition) written by Jackie Stavros and Cheri Torres. This book demonstrates how Appreciative Inquiry (AI) – one of the most widely used approaches for fostering positive change for individuals, groups, organizations, and communities – can help everyone communicate better and flourish in all areas of their lives.
BOOTCAMP OFFERED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

Strategic Conversations Bootcamp
2025-03-11 09:00 - 2025-03-13 11:30 | Virtual Event
DRIVE SYSTEMS CHANGE WITH STRATEGIC CONVERSATIONS
A lack of strategic thinking and planning in organizations is costly. The greatest expense is the investment of time and resources into activities that do not support company goals or the mission. In addition, employees show up, do their work, and go home. This results in missed opportunities. Without a context for their work, employees are not inspired to think or plan creatively about process improvement, innovation, or cost savings. And anyone who has tried knows, it can be a struggle to get teams to buy-in to strategic goals, much less think and work in alignment with those goals.
BOOTCAMP DATES AND TIMES:
The Strategic Conversations Bootcamp consists of two virtual sessions with each session lasting 2.5 hours. Below are the dates and times of both bootcamp sessions.
SESSION 1
SESSION 2
TUESDAYMarch 11, 2025
THURSDAYMarch 13, 2025﻿
9:00am-11:30am Pacific Time12:00pm-2:30pm Eastern Time
9:00am-11:30am Pacific Time12:00pm-2:30pm Eastern Time

Please note: ALL virtual sessions for the strategic conversations bootcamp will be recorded and saved for participants who are unable to attend a scheduled webinar. Links to the recordings will be provided so that participants can view/listen to the recording at a time that works best for them.
STRATEGIC CONVERSATIONS BOOTCAMP OVERVIEW:
Develop your capacity to foster whole system strategic planning, thinking, and leading with Strategic Conversations. Organizations poised for growth and success have leaders who are adopting strategic thinking as an on-going way of doing business and strategic planning that engages employees across the whole organization as well as external stakeholders. They engage everyone in developing agile plans, cycles of experimentation and learning, innovation, and measuring actions against relevant metrics. Strategic Conversations Bootcamp will teach you how to incorporate two powerful methodologies – SOAR and the Appreciative Inquiry 5-D Cycle – to support and develop your capacity to have strategic conversations at the level of the individual, team, division, and the whole organization or community.
BOOTCAMP MODULES
The Strategic Conversations Bootcamp consists of four (4) modules. Click on any of the module titles below to display the purpose and learning objectives for each session.
STRATEGIC THINKING AND MINDSET

PURPOSE: Reassess the nature of what it means to be an organization, explore the impact of adopting a living systems mindset, and what that means when it comes to the nature of business conversation. LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

Rethink the nature of organizations, see them as a living system, nourished by hubs of conversation and action.

Adopt a living systems mindset and an Appreciative Inquiry conversational framework.

Recognize 3 key factors for supporting strategic conversations and organizational flourishing.

Practice framing and asking generative questions for strategic conversations that align with a living systems mindset.

FOSTERING SOAR CONVERSATIONS

PURPOSE: Learn how to use SOAR to frame strategic conversations. LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

Adopt a SOAR Framework for strategic thinking and planning.

Experience SOAR as a positive approach for strategic conversations.

Practice positive framing and generative questions using SOAR at various levels in the organization.

THE APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY 5-D CYCLE

PURPOSE: Understand the importance of whole systems engagement and to explore strategic conversations at scale using the Appreciative Inquiry (AI) 5-D Cycle to engage all stakeholders in strategic planning or whole systems change. LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

Understand the need for whole systems engagement.

Understand the AI 5-D Cycle.

Practice framing an affirmative topic and creating an appreciative inquiry.

Identify opportunities to engage whole systems in strategic conversations.

WHOLE SYSTEMS ENGAGEMENT PROCESSES

PURPOSE: Understand key factors for successful whole systems engagement and learn the basics around three popular processes for engaging large groups or whole systems in conversation. LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

Recognize key factors to successful whole systems engagement.

Understand Design Thinking, World Café, and Open Space Technology.

Identify other resources and processes for whole systems engagement.

BOOTCAMP OUTCOMES
This bootcamp will prepare you to engage your teams in strategic conversations that can:

Increase productivity, engagements, and organizational effectiveness;

Reduce costs, misalignment, and conflicts;

Improve customer service levels;

Innovate in the face of challenges;

Make a positive contribution to the bottom line.

Using two very powerful methodologies (SOAR and the Appreciative Inquiry 5-D Cycle), you will have the tools to engage teams from a whole system perspective in conversations to:

Address short- and long-term challenges, systems, and innovation;

Explore strengths, dynamic capabilities, and opportunities;

Develop or re-evaluate organization’s values, vision, and mission statements;

Set goals, objectives, strategies, and action plans;

Clarify roles, relationships, and expectations;

Track progress through regular cycles of action learning.

ADDITIONAL BOOTCAMP INFORMATION

METHOD OF DELIVERY
These live events will be delivered and recorded using Zoom. You can participate in these live events using any device: computer, tablet, or mobile. Please participate using the dial-in method you feel most comfortable with. You will receive the meeting login information from your trainers in two separate emails. First email will be sent two weeks prior to the event; the second to be sent the day before the bootcamp. We invite you to learn more about the CONVERSATIONS BOOTCAMP also offered in partnership with Conversations Worth Having.
SUGGESTED READING

The Conversations Worth Having (CWH) Bootcamps are built upon the book, Conversations Worth Having: Using Appreciative Inquiry to Fuel Productive and Meaningful Engagement (2nd Edition) written by Jackie Stavros and Cheri Torres. This book demonstrates how Appreciative Inquiry (AI) – one of the most widely used approaches for fostering positive change for individuals, groups, organizations, and communities – can help everyone communicate better and flourish in all areas of their lives.
BOOTCAMP OFFERED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

Navigating the Appreciative Inquiry 5-D Cycle
2025-03-24 - 2125-03-24 | Self-Directed Online Course
EXPLORE THE PROCESS THAT FUELS POSITIVE CHANGE
Appreciative Inquiry’s (AI) 5-D Cycle is a transformative approach that fosters collaboration, growth, and innovation through strengths-based inquiry. This self-paced course provides an in-depth exploration of the Define, Discover, Dream, Design, and Destiny phases – equipping you with the knowledge and tools to lead transformative change in any setting.
WHY THE APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY 5-D CYCLE MATTERS
The AI 5-D Cycle is a proven framework for unlocking potential, fostering positive change by leveraging strengths, engaging diverse perspectives, and inspiring action. It provides a structured yet flexible process that supports individuals and organizations in identifying opportunities, envisioning possibilities, and designing pathways toward sustainable success. The AI 5-D Cycle builds on what is working well to generate meaningful and lasting impact across personal growth, team dynamics, leadership development, and organizational transformation.
WHAT YOU’LL GAIN
Whether you are new to Appreciative Inquiry or looking to deepen your practice, this self-directed course offers real-world applications to enhance engagement, foster sustainable change, and spark creativity in both personal and professional settings. Through interactive exercises and reflection, you will explore how to integrate the AI 5-D Cycle into leadership, team dynamics, coaching, and daily interactions.

Deepen Your AI Practice – Gain insights into the Define, Discover, Dream, Design, and Destiny phases, how they interconnect, and how they are supported by the Appreciative Inquiry Principles.

Reframe Challenges into Opportunities – Shift from fixing problems to co-creating possibilities. Apply AI methodologies to problem-solving, strategy development, and innovation.

Create Meaningful Engagement – Discover techniques to foster inclusive dialogue and collaborative action.

Sustainable Change & Strategic Implementation – Develop strategies to implement Appreciative Inquiry in a way that ensures lasting results. Turn aspirations into action.

Practical AI Tools & Techniques – Apply AI methodologies to real-world challenges across personal and professional settings.

THE AI 5-D CYCLE: A CLOSER LOOK
This course consists of five lessons, each dedicated to one phase of the Appreciative Inquiry 5-D Cycle. Each lesson offers hands-on exercises, real-world applications, actionable strategies, and reflection prompts to deepen your understanding and application of the cycle in a meaningful way. Lesson 1: DEFINE Establishes a clear focus for inquiry is essential for guiding meaningful change. This phase helps identify key areas for transformation and emphasizes how the way a question is framed influences what is explored and discovered. Lesson 2: DISCOVER By uncovering strengths, best practices, and past successes, this phase builds on what is already working well. Through storytelling and appreciative interviews, participants gain deeper insights and illuminate new opportunities for growth and expansion. Lesson 3: DREAM Encourages envisioning bold possibilities and co-creating aspirational goals for the future. By fostering creativity and aligning vision with shared purpose, participants generate new pathways for innovation and change. Lesson 4: DESIGN Translating vision into action requires careful planning and consideration of available resources. This phase focuses on developing practical steps, assessing necessary supports, and structuring solutions that turn aspirations into reality. Lesson 5: DESTINY Sustaining positive change involves continuous reflection, collaboration, and adaptation. This phase explores ways to embed Appreciative Inquiry into everyday practices, ensuring long-term impact and lasting transformation.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
By the end of this course, you will be able to:

Understand and apply each phase of the AI 5-D process.

Use AI to foster positive transformation in teams, organizations, and communities.

Facilitate strengths-based conversations that spark engagement and innovation.

Reframe challenges and develop actionable strategies using strengths-based approaches.

Strengthen leadership skills through appreciative, future-focused visioning.

Integrate AI methodologies into daily practices for sustainable impact.

WHO SHOULD ENROLL?
This course is ideal for leaders, HR professionals, coaches, facilitators, educators, consultants, and anyone looking to apply strengths-based approaches to foster engagement, collaboration, and innovation in various settings.
ADDITIONAL COURSE INFORMATION
DELIVERY FORMAT Navigating the Appreciative Inquiry 5-D Cycle is a self-directed course with no required live or virtual sessions. Enjoy the flexibility to access materials, complete activities, and apply AI techniques whenever and wherever it works best for you. Designed for diverse learning styles, this course incorporates text, graphics, videos, and downloadable activities. All materials are available online through LearnDash, the Center for Appreciative Inquiry’s learning management system. To support your learning experience, we have created a series of instructional videos designed to help you navigate LearnDash and maximize its features. COURSE ACCESS Gain immediate access to the Navigating the Appreciative Inquiry 5-D Cycle course upon registration. Course access remains available for one (1) year from the date of registration. During this time, participants are encouraged to log into LearnDash to download and save all materials, activities, and resources for future reference. CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION Certificates of Completion are available to all participants. To obtain a letter, participants must complete the training and submit course feedback. Certificates of Completion include the participant’s name, the name of the completed course, and the number of training hours offered by the course. The Navigating the Appreciative Inquiry 5-D Cycle self-directed course offers 8 training hours.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Do you have questions, need assistance with registration, want to inquire about group rates, or request a private training session for your team or organization? If so, please email Kathy Becker at Kathy@CenterForAppreciativeInquiry.net.

Appreciative Inquiry Coach Training (AICT©)
2025-04-02 08:00 - 2025-06-11 10:00
ELEVATE YOUR COACHING PRACTICE WITH APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY

The Appreciative Inquiry Coach Training (AICT©) empowers you with a strengths-based approach to coaching, designed to foster resilience, inspire growth, and drive meaningful transformation. This comprehensive program blends Appreciative Inquiry theory with practical, hands-on techniques, equipping you to develop impactful coaching methods that highlight individuals’ and teams’ unique strengths. Through guided practice, AICT© enables you to cultivate a coaching style that unlocks potential, builds positive momentum, and leads clients toward sustainable success.
WHY APPRECIATIVE COACHING?

Appreciative Coaching is a revelatory and generative conversation that expands people’s capacity to perform by leveraging the clients’ strengths, potential, and aspirations for the greatest impact. Grounded in Appreciative Inquiry, this transformative approach to coaching fosters personal transformation through innate talent and inherent strength and inspires action – increasing the likelihood of producing longer lasting results quickly.
LEARN SKILLS TO EMPOWER AND TRANSFORM

In-Depth Appreciative Inquiry Skills. Explore the 5-D AI framework to equip yourself with the skills to guide clients through meaningful, strengths-focused conversations. This approach empowers clients, fostering resilience and a mindset geared toward future growth and potential.

Advanced Coaching Techniques. Learn to establish trust, maintain presence, and evoke client awareness with the ICF Core Competencies. Apply principles like Systems Thinking and Social Styles for insightful, customized coaching sessions.

Hands-On Experience and Feedback. Participate in live coaching clinics, practice real-world scenarios, and receive feedback to refine your skills.

DESIGNED FOR:

The Appreciative Inquiry Coach Training (AICT©) is ideal for:

Coaches aiming to add a powerful, positive approach to their toolkit.

HR and OD professionals focused on employee development and engagement.

Leaders committed to fostering a culture of growth and resilience.

Individuals who desire to enhance their systems thinking in order to engage individuals in a holistic and integrated way.

Educators passionate about strengths-based methodologies.

AICT PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The Appreciative Inquiry Coach Training (AICT©) is an advanced certification that guides you in discovering and co-constructing each client’s positive core—the qualities that connect them to life and unlock their potential to thrive. Using Appreciative Inquiry’s affirmative framework, this course offers a small-group environment where you can enhance your self-awareness and develop powerful, generative skills for one-on-one coaching. Through this transformative learning experience, deepen your approach to fostering resilience and growth with clients.
ICF APPROVED PROGRAM

This course is an approved ICF (International Coaching Federation) Continuing Coach Education (CCE) program. Participants who complete this program can apply 32 hours toward renewal requirements or as part of an application for an ICF credential. This advanced-level certification course provides participants the opportunity to apply to Core Competencies of ICF through the lens of Appreciative Inquiry (AI) and is designed for individuals who understand and embody a strengths-based AI paradigm. For the best learning experience and meaningful engagement, we welcome up to sixteen (16) participants.
PRE-REQUISITES

To enroll in this advanced-level course, participants must meet one of the following three prerequisites:

Experienced coaches who seek to strengthen their life-enriching ways of coaching. OR

Successful completion of an approved Appreciative Inquiry Foundations course (with a minimum of 26 classroom hours) OR

Successful completion in an International Coaching Federation accredited course within the past 2 years or hold an equivalent professional coach credential AND verified completion of the Self-Directed Appreciative Inquiry Introduction offered by the Center for Appreciative Inquiry. Participants new to Appreciative Inquiry are encouraged to complete this foundational course. Upon AICT registration, they will receive a 15% promo code in their confirmation email to enroll, providing essential AI principles and methodology.

PROGRAM SCHEDULE & SESSION OUTLINE

The Appreciative Inquiry Coach Training (AICT©) combines 33 hours of live, interactive Zoom sessions with self-paced study over 11 weeks. Participants engage in weekly two-hour, highly experiential sessions that are not recorded, fostering active learning through breakout rooms, paired coaching practices, and small group discussions. To build a supportive community and deepen coaching skills, attendance in every session and completion of all coursework, including the practicum, are required for certification. The course emphasizes the relational essence of coaching through Appreciative Inquiry principles. A required practicum embodies the “Destiny” phase, allowing you to apply your learning in real-world coaching. Click on session titles below to view each session’s overview and outcomes.
Time for ALL sessions: 8:00am-10:00am Pacific / 11:00am-1:00pm Eastern.
To ensure all participants are off to a strong start, the AICT trainers host a live Foundation Session to give participants the opportunity to connect with the trainers, engage with participants, become familiar with LearnDash (our online learning platform), and ask questions about reading and activities prior to Session 1.
BUILDING COMMUNITY AND DEFINING & DISTINGUISHING COACHING
In this session, participants will come together to establish a strong AICT learning community. They will explore the Positive Core of AI Coaching, guided by the ICF Core Competencies. This one-hour session offers a chance to connect with trainers, engage with peers, become familiar with LearnDash (our online learning platform), and ask questions about readings and activities before the first full AICT session. LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Become familiar with the 5 Generic Processes of AI.

Understand the framework and tools that we will use in the AICT.

Build a community of practice by getting to know one another and creating Appreciative Agreements.

Understand the difference between coaching and facilitating.

Uncover the Positive Core of AI Coaching.

Clarifying the Core Competencies from the ICF as they apply to AI Coaching.

Experience AI with a 5-D inquiry to refresh prior learning and “mining” the collective knowledge & skills present.

DEFINING THE POSITIVE TOPIC IN A COACHING CONVERSATION
We look at how Defining the Positive Topic creates the foundation of AI Coaching. Following a demonstration of an AI Coaching session, we will debrief and begin practice in Define. LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Defining the Topic of a coaching conversation using Reframing.

Understanding the 4 Levels of Listening.

Observing and debriefing a coaching session.

Examining Core Competencies:

Establishes and Maintains Agreements, and

Listens Actively

THE POWER OF QUESTIONS AND CONTRACTING IN COACHING
During this session, we will review the power of AI interviews as the cornerstone of an Appreciative Inquiry. We will highlight the key processes and points to define an appreciative inquiry topic for a coaching conversation. LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Understand how to establish the coaching agreement and become familiar with examples of coaching contracts.

Demonstrate the ability to work with the client to define the coaching topic using Reframing.

Become familiar with the three levels of contracting.

Understand the Appreciative Inquiry principles and how they are applied in the coaching relationship.

Understand how to modify the Generic Interview Guide to meet client needs.

Examining Core Competencies:

Establishes and Maintains Agreements, and

Cultivates Trust and Safety.

MAINTAINING PRESENCE – THE TRANSITION FROM DISCOVERY INTO DREAM
Through the lens of the ICF Core Competency of Maintaining Presence, we begin to practice the transition of Discovery into Dream. We look at the power of the Preferred Future and how we, as coaches, remain present to support our clients. LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Distinguishing Discovery to Dream in a coaching session.

Creating images of a Preferred Future.

Practice coaching and feedback.

Examining Core Competencies:

Maintains Presence, and

Listens Actively.

EVOKING AWARENESS THROUGH THE APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY PRINCIPLES
In this session, we examine the AI Principles that apply to the Competency Evokes Awareness. We utilize these principles through powerful questioning, silence, and metaphors to enable our clients to come to their own insights. LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Applying the Core Competency Evokes Awareness by using the tools of coaching.

Use of powerful questions, silence, metaphors, and analogy.

Applying “Big Picture” Systems Thinking.

Exploring the AI Principles that apply to this competency; Anticipatory, Constructionist, Simultaneity and Positive principles.

Practice coaching and feedback.

COMMUNICATING WITH IMPACT – SOCIAL STYLES FOR COACHING
In this session, we’ll introduce Social Style—a tool designed to provide insight into your own behavior and that of others. Social Style helps build on both your strengths and those of others, fostering productive, positive relationships. You’ll also have the unique opportunity to complete the Social Styles Assessment, enhancing self-awareness and allowing you to integrate this knowledge into your coaching communication style. LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Understanding the Social Style Framework.

Gaining insight about why you find some relationships more productive than others.

Better understanding of how Social Style can assist you to consider their behavioral needs and preferences of your clients.

DEVELOPING A PROVOCATIVE PROPOSITION IN A COACHING SESSION
In this session we will be integrating the learning and focusing on the Core Competency of Evokes Awareness to develop the Provocative Proposition. The Design step of the Appreciative Inquiry emphasizes the coach’s role of being focused, observant and responsive. LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Understanding how to work with clients to develop meaningful, bold, and affirmative provocative propositions using Reframing, Generic Interview Questions and reflecting on High Energy Themes.

Understanding the SCARF model and the five domains of human social experience.

Becoming familiar with Systems Thinking and the factors that may influence and inform Design.

GROUP COACH MENTORING – TRAINER OBSERVATION AND FEEDBACK
Participants receive group coach mentoring, trainer observation, and feedback to contribute and deepen the learning in this course. LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Applying all aspects of the coaching conversation in practice with feedback and observations.

Experience both coaching and being coached.

DESTINY AS IT FACILITATES CLIENT GROWTH
In AI Coaching we see that it is not just the five generic processes because it is flexible and non-linear, and the order is applied as appropriate to best serve the client. As we look to the Competency of Facilitating Client Growth, we see how AI Process and SOAR model can ground the actions to move forward in an appreciative way. LEARNING OUTCOMES:

To focus on helping the client ground their dreams in the present.

Completing the coaching session powerfully to expand the client’s capability to create their dream.

Processes and tools to end a coaching conversation.

Examine Core Competency: Facilitates Client Growth.

CELEBRATION, PRACTICUM, AND COMPLETION
This final session is all about Celebration and Completion. In this deep dive we will review the AI Coaching model, the requirements for program certification, and celebrate your success. LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Become familiar with the value of gratitude interventions and the value that they bring to the coaching relationship.

Understand the requirements to complete the Practicum and obtain the Appreciative Inquiry Coach certification.

Provide feedback on the AICT experience.

Take the opportunity to demonstrate gratitude to members of the AICT class.

KEY LEARNING OUTCOMES
As a fully engaged participant who completes the synchronous and asynchronous components of the Appreciative Inquiry Coach Training (AICT©), you will:

Cultivate Confidence in Inspiring Change. Co-create new and inspiring futures with clients, drawing out their essential strengths and potential for transformation.

Understand Systems Thinking for Holistic Change. Deepen your understanding of Systems Thinking and its role in clarifying how environmental factors influence personal and organizational change.

Apply ICF Core Competencies to Appreciative Coaching. Gain a clear understanding of the International Coaching Federation’s Core Competencies as they integrate with the 5-D Appreciative Inquiry process.

Enhance Conversational Impact with Social Styles. Use insights from the Social Styles assessment to deepen self-awareness and adapt your communication style, building rapport and fostering client connections through generative, one-on-one conversations.

Expand Your Capacity for Relational Coaching. Learn methods for fostering trust, active listening, and client-centered reflection, enhancing your relational coaching skills to create empowering, forward-focused dialogues.

ADDITIONAL TRAINING INFORMATION

REQUIRED TEXTBOOKS
Your trainers will assign readings from these two books throughout your training. You will need to purchase the textbooks prior to the start of this course. The books are available in electronic or printed versions. Please select the version that aligns with your learning style and preference. Appreciative Coaching: A Positive Process for Change (2007) by Sara Orem, Jacqueline Binkert, and Ann L. Clancy. Flourishing Together: Guide to Appreciative Inquiry Coaching (2016) by Miriam Subriana.
LETTER OF COMPLETION
To obtain a letter of completion (and to be eligible for consideration for AI Coach Certification) each participant must complete all 33 hours of synchronous and asynchronous Appreciative Inquiry Coach Training©. Letters of completion include your name, date of your training, and number of classroom hours earned.
AI COACH CERTIFICATION PROCESS

REQUIREMENTS
In order to qualify for certification as an Appreciative Inquiry Coach with The Center for Appreciative Inquiry, each participant must:

Actively participate and successfully complete the Appreciative Inquiry Coach Training (AICT) in its entirety, including all online coursework.

Coach an individual using all five generic processes of Appreciative Inquiry: Define, Discover, Dream, Design, and Destiny. Your AICT trainers serve as an advisor to you during your practicum – at no extra cost.

Complete and submit a practicum (narrative) of your Appreciative Coaching experience that is suitable for publication. Practicums must demonstrate your understanding and practice of Appreciative coaching in a one-on-one client engagement.

PRACTICUM REVIEW
All submitted practicums are reviewed by a panel of seasoned appreciative inquiry practitioners. At least one trainer from your AICT 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.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Once certified, your Appreciative Inquiry Coach Certification lasts for 2 years and includes:

An Appreciative Inquiry Coach Certification document for your records;

Permission to use of the Center for Appreciative Inquiry Certification logo to embed on your website or include in your email signature;

Exclusive access to content and events reserved only for certified AI Community Members.

A free profile listing on our Appreciative Inquiry Directory for the duration of your certification. Learn more about the benefits of our AI Directory here.

Introduction to SOAR: Creating Strategies & Strategic Plans That Invite Innovation and Engagement
2025-04-24 09:00 - 2025-04-25 12:00 | Virtual Event
DEVELOP STRATEGY & INVITE ENGAGEMENT USING THE SOAR FRAMEWORK
This workshop provides participants with a foundational understanding of the powerful SOAR framework—Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations, and Results—designed to enhance strategic thinking, strategizing, planning, and leading. Attendees will learn to recognize and harness their organization’s internal strengths, identify external opportunities, clarify their aspirations, and define specific results they aspire to achieve. Through interactive discussions and practical examples, this workshop equips participants with the tools and mindset to adopt a proactive, appreciative, and positive approach to strategy development, fostering innovation, and driving sustainable growth within their organizations. Whether applied to business, personal development, or team dynamics, this workshop serves as a gateway to unleashing the full potential of the SOAR framework. Utilize SOAR’s positive framework to enhance your ability to strategize, lead, and plan effectively.
SOAR WORKSHOP DATES & TIMES:
There are two workshops available for you to maximize your SOAR learning, planning, and application: Introduction to SOAR and SOAR Design. Below are the dates and times for both workshops. Please note: Introduction to SOAR is a pre-requisite for the SOAR Design Workshop.
INTRODUCTION TO SOAR
April 24-25, 2025
9am-12pm Pacific / 12pm-3pm Eastern
SOAR DESIGN
May 16, 2025
9am-12pm Pacific / 12pm-3pm Eastern
Pre-requisite: None
Pre-requisite: Introduction to SOAR

INTRODUCTION TO SOAR WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION:
SOAR, a positive approach to strategic thinking, planning, leading, conversations, and operating allows anyone at any level in an organization to create strategy and strategic plans. The operating system of SOAR is Appreciative Inquiry, which is one of the most effective and widely used approaches for strategic change. You will learn how to engage your teams in strategic conversations using SOAR to:

Increase engagement, productivity, commitment, and effectiveness at multiple levels in your organization.

Develop strategies by providing a flexible approach that emphasizes strengths and opportunities, aligning them with aspirations and results.

Create strategic plans with values, vision, mission, purpose, and goals.

Promote positive and forward-thinking, appreciative mindset.

Develop your personal strategic leadership development strategy plan.

SOAR is a valuable framework and approach for organizations looking to take a proactive and positive approach to strategic development, focusing on leveraging their existing strengths and external opportunities to achieve their aspirations and desired results. As an Organization Development Consultant, I was thrilled to see a public offering for a SOAR workshop presented by Jackie Stavros, the creator of the framework. Having Melissa Robaina bring her expertise with Appreciative Inquiry was a real bonus! The workshop was content rich and the resources exceptional. I am glad I invested in this work and came away with more than I could have hoped for.
– Michele Hansen, Principal, Prismatic Business Solutions

INTRODUCTION TO SOAR WORKSHOP CONTENT:
Introduction to SOAR: Creating Strategies & Strategic Plans that Invite Innovation and Engagement consists of five (5) modules that will provide key insights, learnings, and tools that you can apply in your strategic leadership. Click the title of each module below to display its purpose and learning objectives. PURPOSE: Introduce the value of cultivating strategic thinking skills from an appreciative mindset. LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

Understand the importance of strategic thinking as cognitive process and mindset.

Learn language of strategy and strategic planning.

Share the history of positive organization science/scholarship (POS).

Introduce Appreciative Inquiry (AI) as the operating system of SOAR.

PURPOSE: Introduce SOAR framework and approach, its purpose, and how it can be applied in different contexts from strategy to strategic planning and leadership development. LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

Learn the essence and flexibility of SOAR.

Understand the efficacy of the SOAR elements.

Show how SOAR builds upon SWOT.

Case 1: Strategic Conversation – Revitalization Strategy.

Introduce 3 Key Strategic Factors of SOAR.

PURPOSE: Learn how to apply SOAR at various levels in an organization. LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

Learn how to apply SOAR in:

every day strategic conversations.

coaching and mentoring others.

creating strategies (Quick SOAR).

Case 2: SOAR: Creating a Strategy at Division Level.

Case 3: SOAR: Strategic Coaching Approach to High-Performing Culture.

PURPOSE: Learn how to use SOAR for system-wide strategic planning or change with the Appreciative Inquiry (AI) 5-D/5-I Cycle. LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

Learn how to involve stakeholder representation on your strategic planning team.

Share the evolution of SOAR with the AI 5-D/5-I Cycle.

Case 4: Creating a Whole System Strategic Plan.

PURPOSE: Learn how to use SOAR at the level of self to develop effective leadership skills for your strategic leadership development plan. LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

Learn how to identify your values, vision, and mission with purpose.

Identify your current strengths as a leader and what weakness you might wish to explore to turn it into an opportunity to cultivate a strength.

Explore opportunities for leadership growth and development.

Determine your leadership aspirations: what type of leader are you and want to further develop into?

How to establish specific, measurable results you want to achieve in your leadership development.

Formulate your leadership strategies, plans, and future learning resources.

This is a very practical workshop that focuses on helping you better understand the variety of ways SOAR can be used from a single person to a large organization. The instructor is focused on ensuring content is relevant to how you want to use SOAR. She provides many practical examples, article, and other learning materials to continue to explore and grow after the program is over. - Andrew Whitis, Interim Executive Director, OhioNet This workshop highlights the true power of SOAR. I left with a deeper understanding of the framework and how it can be used to improve organizational planning, strengthen teams and guide own own individual development. - Sara Bozeman, Consultant, Office of Patient-Centered Care & Cultural Transformation, Department of Veterans Affairs The ‘Introduction to SOAR Creating Strategy and Strategic Plans that Inspire’ training event was very good from start to finish as evidenced by comprehensive pre-training preparation, positive, energizing content that contributed to skills enhancement, glitch free Zoom technology, highly experienced trainers whose interactive training style provided ongoing opportunities for participation including trainee feedback and posing of questions. Post training reading materials were an indicator of going the extra-mile to enhance trainee’s competence and capabilities. - Dennis Whitford, Owner/Operator, 2Thunder Consulting Insightful and impactful — the SOAR sessions re-engaged and energized my thinking about how to apply appreciative inquiry in strategic situations to help individuals, teams, and organizations reach new heights. - Pam Cash, Co-Founder and Chief of Positive Change, Next Ascent, LLC. I really appreciate The Center for AI offering such a phenomenal program on SOAR with Jackie and Melissa – WOW! Talk about time well spent — it was an absolute pleasure and privilege and will say that this offering is by far one of the ‘high points’ in my learning journey. Jackie is incredible and her generosity is unparalleled! From the SOAR Design workshop (from part II of the series), I delivered a ‘micro-SOAR’ and council members walked away from the session feeling seen, heard, and inspired. Huge kudos to Jackie for developing dynamic and profound SOAR framework, and her willingness to share her insights!! - L. Barbour, Resilience Director, Optum Workplace Well-Being
ADDITIONAL WORKSHOP INFORMATION:

REQUIRED BOOK
The SOAR workshops utilize the book, Learning to SOAR: Creating Strategy that Inspires Innovation and Engagement by Jacqueline Stavros and Gina Hinrichs. You will need to purchase this book prior to the start of this course. This short, easy-to-read book is available in electronic, paperback, or audio – please choose the format that best suits your learning style.
METHOD OF DELIVERY:

This workshop will be delivered via Zoom and will use various Zoom features, including the annotation tool. To maximize your learning experience, please participate using a desktop or laptop computer. You will receive a Zoom meeting link in a separate email two weeks prior to the event.
LETTER OF COMPLETION

To obtain a letter of completion from The Center for Appreciative Inquiry, each participant must actively participate and complete the workshop. Letters of completion include your name, date of your training, and number of classroom hours earned and will be presented to participants after the training.
WORKSHOP OFFERED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:

WANT TO TRAIN A TEAM OR GROUP?
This workshop can be delivered for groups and organizations who wish to train a large number of individuals on the SOAR framework to support their strategy and strategic planning efforts. Please complete the CONTACT US form to receive more information about hosting a private course for your group.

Conversations Worth Having Trainer Certification
2025-05-07 07:00 - 2025-05-08 13:00 | Virtual Event
TRANSFORM CONVERSATIONS AS A CWH TRAINER
Step into a world where conversations spark connection, foster collaboration, and drive meaningful change. The Conversations Worth Having (CWH) Trainer Certification program equips you with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to lead impactful workshops that transform the way individuals and organizations communicate. Whether you’re looking to expand your professional offerings or empower your team, this certification prepares you to teach transformative communication skills and create thriving environments.
CWH TRAINER CERTIFICATION PROGRAM
Transform the way individuals and organizations connect, communicate, and thrive through meaningful conversations. The CWH Trainer Certification program is a dynamic and highly experiential course designed to help you lead impactful workshops that foster authentic dialogue, strengthen relationships, and inspire transformational change. Grounded in Appreciative Inquiry, positive psychology, and neuroscience, this program empowers you to create environments where people feel heard, valued, and inspired. You’ll gain the tools to address and navigate challenges, invite collaboration, and spark innovative solutions. As a certified CWH Trainer, you’ll play a vital role in cultivating leadership, fostering strong connections, and transforming obstacles into opportunities for meaningful growth.
CWH CERTIFICATION OPTIONS & OVERVIEW
Choose from two certification pathways to align with your goals: SINGLE CWH Certification or DUAL CWH Certification. Both options enable you to officially deliver the Conversations Worth Having Bootcamps, in part or in its entirety, offering the flexibility to tailor your approach to meet a variety of needs.
EXPLORE EACH CERTIFICATION PROGRAM…

Click on the program name below to expand the section and view detailed information, including an overview, learning objectives, prerequisites, and program duration.
SINGLE CWH TRAINER CERTIFICATION OVERVIEW
The Single CWH Trainer Certification program equips you with the tools, insights, and confidence to deliver the transformative Conversation Bootcamp. This program will help you guide individuals, teams, and organizations in mastering intentional communication practices that foster connection, collaboration, and positive change. As a certified trainer, you will deliver impactful workshops that teach participants two foundational Appreciative Inquiry practices — positive framing and generative questions. These practices will empower participants to craft thoughtful questions, reframe challenges, and deliver meaningful feedback. By applying the tools and techniques from this course, you will facilitate transformative conversations, strengthen relationships, and help others create environments where individuals and organizations can thrive. LEARNING OBJECTIVES: After completing the Single CWH Trainer Certification program, you will be equipped to lead transformative workshops, facilitate the Conversation Bootcamp, and empower others to cultivate thriving workplaces and communities. Through this certification, you will develop the skills to: Through this certification program, you will develop the skills to:

Deliver the Conversation Bootcamp, guiding participants through its four essential modules designed to enhance communication and foster productive engagement.

Teach others how to apply Appreciative Inquiry principles to frame workplace challenges, ask generative questions, and unlock creativity and potential.

Help people reframe challenges, transforming negative or unproductive conversations into conversations worth having using a strengths-based approach.

Coach individuals and teams in developing the ability to seek, receive, and provide effective feedback, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

Guide participants in using mindfulness tools to shift from reactionary communication to intentional dialogue, creating space for meaningful and productive interactions.

PRE-REQUISITE: To enroll in the Single CWH Trainer Certification course, participants must successfully complete of the Conversation Bootcamp. DURATION: The Single CWH Trainer Certification program is a 1-day, 6-hour intensive training consisting of virtual instruction and applied practice.
DUAL CWH TRAINER CERTIFICATION OVERVIEW
The Dual CWH Trainer Certification program equips you with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to deliver both the Conversation Bootcamp and the Strategic Conversations Bootcamp. This certification expands your capacity to lead transformative workshops that enhance communication, cultivate strategic thinking, and empower individuals and teams to navigate change effectively. As a certified trainer, you will guide participants in mastering two foundational Appreciative Inquiry practices—positive framing and generative questions—to improve workplace conversations, strengthen relationships, and drive meaningful change. In addition, you will learn how to facilitate SOAR strategic conversations, engage stakeholders in whole systems thinking, and apply the Appreciative Inquiry 5-D Cycle to organizational planning and transformation. LEARNING OBJECTIVES: In addition to the learning objectives covered in the Single CWH Trainer Certification program, the Dual CWH Trainer Certification further expands your ability to facilitate strategic conversations and whole systems engagement while strengthening your capacity to help individuals, teams, and organizations build stronger relationships, deepen engagement, and create thriving, future-focused workplaces. After completing this certification program, you will gain the ability to: Deliver both the Conversation Bootcamp and the Strategic Conversations Bootcamp, guiding participants through essential modules focused on communication, collaboration, and strategic engagement.

Teach others how to apply Appreciative Inquiry to frame workplace challenges, ask generative questions, and unlock creativity and innovation.

Facilitate SOAR strategic conversations at any level – individual, team, division, or organization – guiding participants in adopting a strengths-based approach to planning and decision-making.

Introduce the Appreciative Inquiry 5-D Cycle, demonstrating how it engages whole systems in meaningful and impactful conversations for strategic change.

Empower teams to embrace whole systems thinking, engaging multiple stakeholders in conversations that drive organizational success.

Teach effective feedback strategies, cultivating a culture of continuous learning, growth, and engagement.

Explore and facilitate whole systems engagement processes, including Design Thinking, World Café, and Open Space Technology, to support large-scale collaboration and innovation.

PRE-REQUISITE: To enroll in the Dual CWH Trainer Certification program, you must have completed both the Conversation Bootcamp and the Strategic Conversations Bootcamp (available live or on-demand). DURATION: The Dual CWH Certification Program is a 2-day, 12-hour intensive virtual training, providing hands-on instruction, applied practice, and expert facilitation techniques.
CWH CERTIFICATION DATES & TIMES

SINGLE CERTIFICATION
Certification to deliver Conversation Bootcamp
DUAL CERTIFICATION
Certification to deliver Conversation and Strategic Conversations Bootcamps
Wed., May 7, 2025
Wed. & Thurs., May 7-8, 2025
7:00am-1:00pm PDT10:00am-4:00pm EDT
7:00am-1:00pm PDT10:00am-4:00pm EDT

BENEFITS OF CWH CERTIFICATION
Enrolling in the CWH Trainer Certification course provides you with everything you need to confidently teach Conversations Worth Having and facilitate the bootcamps for which you are certified. From comprehensive training materials to ongoing professional support, you’ll gain the tools, resources, and community connections to successfully implement and deliver these transformative programs.
AS A PARTICIPANT:
When you enroll in the CWH Certification course, you gain access to a comprehensive suite of resources designed to support your success. Your registration includes:

Minimum of one-year (1) access to the latest online training materials.

CWH Training PowerPoint slides and agendas.

Participant workbook.

CWH Study Guide.

CWH WoJo.

Case studies, stories, and activities.

CWH Bootcamp videos.

Certificate of Completion template.

CWH marketing and promotional materials.

Ability to co-brand materials.

CWHConnect Calls: Community of Practice (connect, share, and learn among CWH trainers).

Consulting and training referrals.

AS A CERTIFIED CWH TRAINER:
Beyond the benefits of your certification course, becoming a certified CWH trainer unlocks exclusive opportunities to expand your impact, enhance your professional credibility, and connect with a thriving community. You will also enjoy:

A profile listing on the CWH Institute website.

Opportunity to work with the CWH Community in ways that may increase professional exposure, credibility, and residual income.

Opportunity to submit open trainings through The Center for Appreciative Inquiry and CWH Institute website.

A SOAR profile to help you better understand your natural capacity for strategic thinking, planning, and leading (available to participants enrolled in dual CWH certification for Strategic Conversations).

CERTIFICATION DESIGNED FOR
The CWH Trainer Certification is ideal for professionals from a wide range of industries, including:

Managers & Program Directors looking to enhance leadership communication, team engagement, and workplace culture.

Educators & Professors looking to integrate appreciative communication techniques into teaching, advising, and student development.

Consultants & HR Professionals looking to help organizations cultivate positive workplace relationships and improve team dynamics.

Healthcare & Wellness Professionals looking to strengthen patient care, interdisciplinary collaboration, and team communication.

Training & Development Specialists looking to design and deliver engaging, transformative learning experiences.

Non-Profit & Community Leaders looking to inspire change, mobilize communities, and foster inclusive dialogue.

Coaches, Counselors & Clinicians looking to support clients in developing strengths-based communication and problem-solving skills.

METHOD OF DELIVERY
Conversations Worth Having Trainer Certification courses are delivered live via Zoom and recorded for later review and continued learning. You can join these interactive sessions from any device—computer, tablet, or mobile—using the connection method that works best for you. Your trainers will email you a week prior to the event with additional program details to ensure you feel prepared, supported, and ready for an engaging and meaningful learning experience.
PROGRAM OFFERED IN COLLABORATION WITH

Virtual Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator Training (vAIFT)
2025-05-12 09:00 - 2025-05-22 11:00
FACILITATE POSITIVE CHANGE USING APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY

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 organization’s 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.
DESIGNED FOR:
Leaders in businesses and corporations, community development, educational organizations, governmental organizations, and nonprofit organizations–in short, anyone who wants to learn how to facilitate Appreciative Inquiry.
TRAINING SEGMENTS:

The AIFT consists of eight (8) modules within the four training segments. Each segment consists of modules containing exercises, readings, and discussions.
DEFINE AI AND BUILD COMMUNITY
Learning Outcomes:

Build community collaboratively in order to function in a strong learning community.

Reflect on how you will build community in the future as an AI facilitator.

Define appreciative inquiry.

Develop a common understanding what appreciative inquiry is and how it is applied.

EXPERIENCE APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY
Learning Outcomes:

Experience the five generic processes of appreciative inquiry as they apply to designing your learning within the AIFT.

UNCOVER THE POWER OF APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY
Learning Outcomes:

Identify and ingrate key theory components of appreciative inquiry to support your foundations as an AI facilitator.

CREATE TOPICS OF INQUIRY AND INTERVIEW GUIDES
Learning Outcomes:

Identify an affirmative topic for an inquiry and modify the generic interview guide.

Reflect on facilitator considerations.

KEY AI FACILITATION CONSIDERATIONS
Learning Outcomes:

Assess and integrate key appreciative inquiry facilitation considerations.

Learn about Core Teams and their role in the AI Process.

Learn various forms of AI engagement.

GROUND APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY IN EVIDENCE
Learning Outcomes:

Discover the research and evidence that underpins the work of appreciative inquiry and integrate these ideas into your facilitation toolkit.

LIVE AND FACILITATE APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY
Learning Outcomes:

Integrate facilitator skills and knowledge and seek to clarify how you will process as an AI facilitator.

Learn about the four clusters of competencies in developing emotional and social intelligence.

Create a personal action plan around the topic of “being your best as a facilitator”.

GROUND APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY IN EVIDENCE
Learning Outcomes:

Learn about the requirements needed to earn your Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator Certification from The Center for Appreciative Inquiry.

Utilize a checklist for designing and facilitating systems change.

AIFT SCHEDULE:

The Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator Training (AIFT©) 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:
MONDAYMay 12, 20259:00am-11:00am (PDT)
TUESDAYMay 13, 20259:00am-11:00am (PDT)
WEDNESDAYMay 14, 2025 9:00am-11:00 am (PDT)
THURSDAYMay 15, 20259:00am-11:00am (PDT)
WEEK 2:
MONDAYMay 19, 20259:00am-11:00am (PDT)
TUESDAYMay 20, 20259:00am-11:00am (PDT)
WEDNESDAYMay 21, 20259:00am-11:00am (PDT)
THURSDAYMay 22, 20259:00am-11:00am (PDT)

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.
ORIENTATION
To ensure that all participants are off to a strong start, we will host a LIVE ORIENTATION SESSION – Monday, May 5, 2025 at 9 a.m. PT. This session will include an overview of course timelines, learning objectives, and a walk-through of the online platform. It’s also a chance to connect with trainers and other participants. If you’re unable to attend, the session will be recorded.
ADDITIONAL COURSE INFORMATION

REQUIRED TEXTBOOK

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 aligns with your learning style and preference. Click on the book cover image to learn more about the book and order your copy.
METHOD OF DELIVERY
Participants in this Appreciative Inquiry training program will receive login information to the Center for Appreciative Inquiry’s (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.
LETTER OF COMPLETION

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.
CERTIFICATION PROCESS:

REQUIREMENTS
In order to qualify for certification as an Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator with The Center for Appreciative Inquiry, each participant must:

Actively participate in an Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator Training (AIFT).

Design and facilitate an appreciative inquiry engagement for a team, organization, group, or community using the 5-D Appreciative Inquiry process. Your AIFT trainers serve as an advisor to you during your practicum – at no extra cost.

Complete and submit a practicum (narrative) for review. Practicums demonstrate your understanding and application of Appreciative Inquiry by sharing your facilitation experience, learnings, insights, and outcomes.

PRACTICUM REVIEW

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.
WHAT’S INCLUDED

Once certified, your Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator Certification lasts for 2 years and includes:

An Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator Certification document for your records;

Permission to use of the Center for Appreciative Inquiry Certification logo to embed on your website or include in your email signature;

Exclusive access to content and events reserved only for certified AI Community Members.

A free profile listing on our Appreciative Inquiry Directory for the duration of your certification. Learn more about the benefits of our AI Directory here.

SOAR Design Workshop
2025-05-16 09:00 - 12:00 | Virtual Event
IDENTIFY OPPORTUNITIES TO APPLY & DESIGN SOAR
This SOAR Design Workshop is an engaging and collaborative session where we will explore a variety of SOAR designs from team to division, department, organization, and industry level. During this workshop, participants will learn how to design SOAR engagements to their client or organization’s wishes. There will also be a case scenario on how to help an executive leader learn how to use SOAR.
SOAR DESIGN WORKSHOP DATES & TIMES:
There are two workshops available for you to maximize your SOAR learning, planning, and application: Introduction to SOAR and SOAR Design. Below are the dates and times for both workshops. Please note: Introduction to SOAR is a pre-requisite for the SOAR Design workshop.
INTRODUCTION TO SOAR
April 24-25, 2025
9am-12pm Pacific / 12pm-3pm Eastern
SOAR DESIGN
May 16, 2025
9am-12pm Pacific / 12pm-3pm Eastern
Pre-requisite: None
Pre-requisite: Introduction to SOAR

SOAR DESIGN WORKSHOP CONTENT:
By utilizing the SOAR framework, attendees gain a holistic perspective, fostering a positive and proactive approach to strategy and strategic planning. This interactive session guides participants on how their SOAR designs connect to mission with purpose, encourage teamwork, align those around a shared vision, and ultimately leads to the development of actionable strategies and plans that maximize a team or an organization’s potential for success. Participants will come to this session with at least one draft of a SOAR strategic engagement. Time will be allotted for asking about SOAR designs and engagements.
PURPOSE:
Identify opportunities to apply and design SOAR engagements.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

Recognize and target opportunities for applying SOAR at multiple levels of your organization.

Review a variety of SOAR-based templates.

Case Scenario: What Would You Do?

Draft a SOAR Strategy or Strategic Planning Design.

This workshop highlights the true power of SOAR. I left with a deeper understanding of the framework and how it can be used to improve organizational planning, strengthen teams and guide our own individual development.
– Sara Bozeman, Consultant,
Office of Patient-Centered Care & Cultural Transformation, Department of Veterans Affairs
This is a very practical workshop that focuses on helping you better understand the variety of ways SOAR can be used from a single person to a large organization. The instructor is focused on ensuring content is relevant to how you want to use SOAR. She provides many practical examples, article, and other learning materials to continue to explore and grow after the program is over. – Andrew Whitis, Interim Executive Director, OhioNet The ‘Introduction to SOAR Creating Strategy and Strategic Plans that Inspire’ training event was very good from start to finish as evidenced by comprehensive pre-training preparation, positive, energizing content that contributed to skills enhancement, glitch free Zoom technology, highly experienced trainers whose interactive training style provided ongoing opportunities for participation including trainee feedback and posing of questions. Post training reading materials were an indicator of going the extra-mile to enhance trainee’s competence and capabilities. – Dennis Whitford, Owner/Operator, 2Thunder Consulting As an Organization Development Consultant, I was thrilled to see a public offering for a SOAR workshop presented by Jackie Stavros, the creator of the framework. Having Melissa Robaina bring her expertise with Appreciative Inquiry was a real bonus! The workshop was content rich and the resources exceptional. I am glad I invested in this work and came away with more than I could have hoped for. – Michele Hansen, Principal, Prismatic Business Solutions Insightful and impactful — the SOAR sessions re-engaged and energized my thinking about how to apply appreciative inquiry in strategic situations to help individuals, teams, and organizations reach new heights. – Pam Cash, Co-Founder and Chief of Positive Change, Next Ascent, LLC. I really appreciate The Center for AI offering such a phenomenal program on SOAR with Jackie and Melissa – WOW! Talk about time well spent — it was an absolute pleasure and privilege and will say that this offering is by far one of the ‘high points’ in my learning journey. Jackie is incredible and her generosity is unparalleled! From the SOAR Design workshop (from part II of the series), I delivered a ‘micro-SOAR’ and council members walked away from the session feeling seen, heard, and inspired. Huge kudos to Jackie for developing dynamic and profound SOAR framework, and her willingness to share her insights!! – L. Barbour, Resilience Director, Optum Workplace Well-Being
ADDITIONAL WORKSHOP INFORMATION:

REQUIRED BOOK
The SOAR workshops utilize the book, Learning to SOAR: Creating Strategy that Inspires Innovation and Engagement by Jacqueline Stavros and Gina Hinrichs. You will need to purchase this book prior to the start of this course. This short, easy-to-read book is available in electronic, paperback, or audio – please choose the format that best suits your learning style.
METHOD OF DELIVERY:

This workshop will be delivered via Zoom and will use various Zoom features, including the annotation tool. To maximize your learning experience, please participate using a desktop or laptop computer. You will receive a Zoom meeting link in a separate email two weeks prior to the event.
LETTER OF COMPLETION

To obtain a letter of completion from The Center for Appreciative Inquiry, each participant must actively participate and complete the workshop. Letters of completion include your name, date of your training, and number of classroom hours earned and will be presented to participants after the training.
WORKSHOP OFFERED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:

WANT TO TRAIN A TEAM OR GROUP?
This workshop can be delivered for groups and organizations who wish to train a large number of individuals on the SOAR framework to support their strategy and strategic planning efforts. Please complete the CONTACT US form to receive more information about hosting a private course for your group.

Virtual Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator Training (vAIFT)
2025-08-04 09:00 - 2025-08-14 11:00
FACILITATE POSITIVE CHANGE USING APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY

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 organization’s 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.
DESIGNED FOR:
Leaders in businesses and corporations, community development, educational organizations, governmental organizations, and nonprofit organizations–in short, anyone who wants to learn how to facilitate Appreciative Inquiry.
TRAINING SEGMENTS:

The AIFT consists of eight (8) modules within the four training segments. Each segment consists of modules containing exercises, readings, and discussions.
DEFINE AI AND BUILD COMMUNITY
Learning Outcomes:

Build community collaboratively in order to function in a strong learning community.

Reflect on how you will build community in the future as an AI facilitator.

Define appreciative inquiry.

Develop a common understanding what appreciative inquiry is and how it is applied.

EXPERIENCE APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY
Learning Outcomes:

Experience the five generic processes of appreciative inquiry as they apply to designing your learning within the AIFT.

UNCOVER THE POWER OF APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY
Learning Outcomes:

Identify and ingrate key theory components of appreciative inquiry to support your foundations as an AI facilitator.

CREATE TOPICS OF INQUIRY AND INTERVIEW GUIDES
Learning Outcomes:

Identify an affirmative topic for an inquiry and modify the generic interview guide.

Reflect on facilitator considerations.

KEY AI FACILITATION CONSIDERATIONS
Learning Outcomes:

Assess and integrate key appreciative inquiry facilitation considerations.

Learn about Core Teams and their role in the AI Process.

Learn various forms of AI engagement.

GROUND APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY IN EVIDENCE
Learning Outcomes:

Discover the research and evidence that underpins the work of appreciative inquiry and integrate these ideas into your facilitation toolkit.

LIVE AND FACILITATE APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY
Learning Outcomes:

Integrate facilitator skills and knowledge and seek to clarify how you will process as an AI facilitator.

Learn about the four clusters of competencies in developing emotional and social intelligence.

Create a personal action plan around the topic of “being your best as a facilitator”.

GROUND APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY IN EVIDENCE
Learning Outcomes:

Learn about the requirements needed to earn your Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator Certification from The Center for Appreciative Inquiry.

Utilize a checklist for designing and facilitating systems change.

AIFT SCHEDULE:

The Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator Training (AIFT©) 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:
MONDAYAugust 4, 20259:00am-11:00am (PDT)
TUESDAYAugust 5, 20259:00am-11:00am (PDT)
WEDNESDAYAugust 6, 2025 9:00am-11:00 am (PDT)
THURSDAYAugust 7, 20259:00am-11:00am (PDT)
WEEK 2:
MONDAYAugust 11, 20259:00am-11:00am (PDT)
TUESDAYAugust 12, 20259:00am-11:00am (PDT)
WEDNESDAYAugust 13, 20259:00am-11:00am (PDT)
THURSDAYAugust 14, 20259:00am-11:00am (PDT)

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.
ORIENTATION
To ensure that all participants are off to a strong start, we will host a LIVE ORIENTATION SESSION – Monday, July 28, 2025 at 9 a.m. PT. This session will include an overview of course timelines, learning objectives, and a walk-through of the online platform. It’s also a chance to connect with trainers and other participants. If you’re unable to attend, the session will be recorded.
ADDITIONAL COURSE INFORMATION

REQUIRED TEXTBOOK

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 aligns with your learning style and preference. Click on the book cover image to learn more about the book and order your copy.
METHOD OF DELIVERY
Participants in this Appreciative Inquiry training program will receive login information to the Center for Appreciative Inquiry’s (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.
LETTER OF COMPLETION

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.
CERTIFICATION PROCESS:

REQUIREMENTS
In order to qualify for certification as an Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator with The Center for Appreciative Inquiry, each participant must:

Actively participate in an Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator Training (AIFT).

Design and facilitate an appreciative inquiry engagement for a team, organization, group, or community using the 5-D Appreciative Inquiry process. Your AIFT trainers serve as an advisor to you during your practicum – at no extra cost.

Complete and submit a practicum (narrative) for review. Practicums demonstrate your understanding and application of Appreciative Inquiry by sharing your facilitation experience, learnings, insights, and outcomes.

PRACTICUM REVIEW

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.
WHAT’S INCLUDED

Once certified, your Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator Certification lasts for 2 years and includes:

An Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator Certification document for your records;

Permission to use of the Center for Appreciative Inquiry Certification logo to embed on your website or include in your email signature;

Exclusive access to content and events reserved only for certified AI Community Members.

A free profile listing on our Appreciative Inquiry Directory for the duration of your certification. Learn more about the benefits of our AI Directory here.

Conversation Bootcamp
2025-09-09 06:00 - 2025-09-11 08:30 | Virtual Event
FUEL PRODUCTIVE AND MEANINGFUL ENGAGEMENT
Conversations are at the heart of everything we do and are essential to effective communications, leadership, high performing teams, and strong relationships. We know that conversations influence us, but we rarely stop to think about how much they affect our well-being, the well-being of others, or the health of our organizations and communities. Communication remains the top issue for organizations, teams, and relationships. Most people struggle to effectively communicate when they are frustrated, angry, hurt, or facing conflict. The effects of poor communication are costly and show up in organizations as:

Employee disengagement, malaise, and turnover;

Dysfunctional teams;

Poor performance;

Inability to give and receive critical feedback;

Negative attitudes, cliques, and gossip: a culture of “me”.

If you’re dealing with any of these outcomes, the Conversation Bootcamp from Conversations Worth Having will give you the skills and tools to turn them around. This program is grounded in Appreciative Inquiry, one of the most widely used positive change approaches. Two simple Appreciative Inquiry practices can turn your entire culture around, creating a culture of conversations worth having.
BOOTCAMP DATES AND TIMES:
The Conversation Bootcamp consists of two virtual sessions with each session lasting 2.5 hours. Below are the dates and times of both bootcamp sessions.
SESSION 1
SESSION 2
TUESDAYSeptember 9, 2025
THURSDAYSeptember 11, 2025﻿
6:00am-8:30am PDT9:00am-11:30am EDT 1:00pm-3:30pm GMT
6:00am-8:30am PDT9:00am-11:30am EDT 1:00pm-3:30pm GMT

Please note: ALL virtual sessions for this conversation bootcamp will be recorded and saved for participants who are unable to attend a scheduled webinar. Links to the recordings will be provided so that participants can view/listen to the recording at a time that works best for them.
CONVERSATION BOOTCAMP OVERVIEW:
The Conversation Bootcamp is grounded in Appreciative Inquiry, one of the most widely used positive change approaches. Two simple Appreciative Inquiry practices – positive framing and generative questions – can turn your entire culture around, creating a culture of conversations worth having. Get the tools needed to help you establish communication practices that support productivity, engagement, high performance teams, regular feedback, positivity, and a culture of “we.”
BOOTCAMP MODULES
The Conversation Bootcamp consists of four (4) modules. Click on any of the module titles below to display the purpose and learning objectives for each session.
THE POWER OF CONVERSATION
PURPOSE: Understand the nature of our conversations, how they affect human being and doing, and develop your ability to choose. LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
• Choose to be intentional with your conversations.
• Experience the nature of your conversations and the effects they have on you and others.
• Use mindfulness tools to shift reactionary communication to deliberate conversation.
THE ART OF ASKING QUESTIONS

PURPOSE: Understand the basics of Appreciative Inquiry and improve your ability to ask generative questions to foster effective communication. LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
• Choose curiosity over knowing and assuming.
• Experience the impact Appreciative Inquiry has on individual and organizational capacity.
• Use generative questions to shift the dynamics of personal and workplace communication problems.
INTENTIONAL FRAMING

PURPOSE: Use positive framing to intentionally foster effective communication and continue to develop your ability to ask generative questions. LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
• Use flipping to frame workplace communication issues.
• Experience flipping negative conversations to conversations worth having.
• Develop generative questions to fuel productive and meaningful engagement around workplace challenges.
STEP UP TO FEEDBACK

PURPOSE: Develop the skill and the motivation to routinely seek out feedback and promptly provide effective feedback, even in the most critical of situations LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
• Adopt a learning mindset to support openness and interest in feedback.
• Experience and choose to change feedback avoidance patterns.
• Use effective feedback strategies with common workplace situations.
BOOTCAMP OUTCOMES
Following this bootcamp, participants will be prepared to:

Keep your cool when you want to explode!

Effectively challenge assumptions and preconceptions, including yours.

Deal with conflict quickly and effectively.

Fuel productive and meaningful engagement.

Communicate successfully with people who hold negative attitudes or defensive positions.

Give and receive critical feedback in ways that promote learning and high performance.

Ask the kind of questions that deepen understanding, strengthen connections, and inspire possibility.

Talk with colleagues in ways that invite them to collaborate on projects and strategic outcomes.

Listen with genuine curiosity.

Frame any conversation, even one around a highly complex problem, to inspire creative and innovative thinking and solutions.

ADDITIONAL BOOTCAMP INFORMATION

METHOD OF DELIVERY
These live events will be delivered and recorded using Zoom. You can participate in these live events using any device: computer, tablet, or mobile. Please participate using the dial-in method you feel most comfortable with. Additional bootcamp details will be provided by your trainers in two separate emails: the first sent two weeks prior to the event and the second one week before the bootcamp begins. We invite you to learn more about the STRATEGIC CONVERSATION BOOTCAMP also offered in partnership with Conversations Worth Having.
SUGGESTED READING

The Conversations Worth Having (CWH) Bootcamps are built upon the book, Conversations Worth Having: Using Appreciative Inquiry to Fuel Productive and Meaningful Engagement (2nd Edition) written by Jackie Stavros and Cheri Torres. This book demonstrates how Appreciative Inquiry (AI) – one of the most widely used approaches for fostering positive change for individuals, groups, organizations, and communities – can help everyone communicate better and flourish in all areas of their lives.
BOOTCAMP OFFERED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

Strategic Conversations Bootcamp
2025-09-16 06:00 - 2025-09-18 08:30 | Virtual Event
DRIVE SYSTEMS CHANGE WITH STRATEGIC CONVERSATIONS
A lack of strategic thinking and planning in organizations is costly. The greatest expense is the investment of time and resources into activities that do not support company goals or the mission. In addition, employees show up, do their work, and go home. This results in missed opportunities. Without a context for their work, employees are not inspired to think or plan creatively about process improvement, innovation, or cost savings. And anyone who has tried knows, it can be a struggle to get teams to buy-in to strategic goals, much less think and work in alignment with those goals.
BOOTCAMP DATES AND TIMES:
The Strategic Conversations Bootcamp consists of two virtual sessions with each session lasting 2.5 hours. Below are the dates and times of both bootcamp sessions.
SESSION 1
SESSION 2
TUESDAYSeptember 16, 2025
THURSDAYSeptember 18, 2025﻿
6:00am-8:30am PDT9:00am-11:30am EDT 1:00pm-3:30pm GMT
6:00am-8:30am PDT9:00am-11:30am EDT 1:00pm-3:30pm GMT

Please note: ALL virtual sessions for the strategic conversations bootcamp will be recorded and saved for participants who are unable to attend a scheduled webinar. Links to the recordings will be provided so that participants can view/listen to the recording at a time that works best for them.
STRATEGIC CONVERSATIONS BOOTCAMP OVERVIEW:
Develop your capacity to foster whole system strategic planning, thinking, and leading with Strategic Conversations. Organizations poised for growth and success have leaders who are adopting strategic thinking as an on-going way of doing business and strategic planning that engages employees across the whole organization as well as external stakeholders. They engage everyone in developing agile plans, cycles of experimentation and learning, innovation, and measuring actions against relevant metrics. Strategic Conversations Bootcamp will teach you how to incorporate two powerful methodologies – SOAR and the Appreciative Inquiry 5-D Cycle – to support and develop your capacity to have strategic conversations at the level of the individual, team, division, and the whole organization or community.
BOOTCAMP MODULES
The Strategic Conversations Bootcamp consists of four (4) modules. Click on any of the module titles below to display the purpose and learning objectives for each session.
STRATEGIC THINKING AND MINDSET

PURPOSE: Reassess the nature of what it means to be an organization, explore the impact of adopting a living systems mindset, and what that means when it comes to the nature of business conversation. LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

Rethink the nature of organizations, see them as a living system, nourished by hubs of conversation and action.

Adopt a living systems mindset and an Appreciative Inquiry conversational framework.

Recognize 3 key factors for supporting strategic conversations and organizational flourishing.

Practice framing and asking generative questions for strategic conversations that align with a living systems mindset.

SOAR CONVERSATIONS

PURPOSE: Learn how to use SOAR to frame strategic conversations. LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

Adopt a SOAR Framework for strategic thinking and planning.

Experience SOAR as a positive approach for strategic conversations.

Practice positive framing and generative questions using SOAR at various levels in the organization.

THE APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY 5-D CYCLE

PURPOSE: Understand the importance of whole systems engagement and to explore strategic conversations at scale using the Appreciative Inquiry (AI) 5-D Cycle to engage all stakeholders in strategic planning or whole systems change. LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

Understand the need for whole systems engagement.

Understand the AI 5-D Cycle.

Practice framing an affirmative topic and creating an appreciative inquiry.

Identify opportunities to engage whole systems in strategic conversations.

WHOLE SYSTEMS ENGAGEMENT PROCESSES

PURPOSE: Understand key factors for successful whole systems engagement and learn the basics around three popular processes for engaging large groups or whole systems in conversation. LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

Recognize key factors to successful whole systems engagement.

Understand Design Thinking, World Café, and Open Space Technology.

Identify other resources and processes for whole systems engagement.

BOOTCAMP OUTCOMES
This bootcamp will prepare you to engage your teams in strategic conversations that can:

Increase productivity, engagements, and organizational effectiveness;

Reduce costs, misalignment, and conflicts;

Improve customer service levels;

Innovate in the face of challenges;

Make a positive contribution to the bottom line.

After completing this bootcamp, you will have the tools to engage teams from a whole systems perspective in conversations to:

Address short- and long-term challenges, systems, and innovation;

Explore strengths, dynamic capabilities, and opportunities;

Develop or re-evaluate organization’s values, vision, and mission statements;

Set goals, objectives, strategies, and action plans;

Clarify roles, relationships, and expectations;

Track progress through regular cycles of action learning.

ADDITIONAL BOOTCAMP INFORMATION

METHOD OF DELIVERY
These live events will be delivered and recorded using Zoom. You can participate in these live events using any device: computer, tablet, or mobile. Please participate using the dial-in method you feel most comfortable with. You will receive the meeting login information from your trainers in two separate emails. First email will be sent two weeks prior to the event; the second to be sent the day before the bootcamp. We invite you to learn more about the CONVERSATIONS BOOTCAMP also offered in partnership with Conversations Worth Having.
SUGGESTED READING

The Conversations Worth Having (CWH) Bootcamps are built upon the book, Conversations Worth Having: Using Appreciative Inquiry to Fuel Productive and Meaningful Engagement (2nd Edition) written by Jackie Stavros and Cheri Torres. This book demonstrates how Appreciative Inquiry (AI) – one of the most widely used approaches for fostering positive change for individuals, groups, organizations, and communities – can help everyone communicate better and flourish in all areas of their lives.
BOOTCAMP OFFERED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

Virtual Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator Training (vAIFT)
2025-10-20 09:00 - 2025-10-30 11:00
FACILITATE POSITIVE CHANGE USING APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY

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 organization’s 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.
DESIGNED FOR:
Leaders in businesses and corporations, community development, educational organizations, governmental organizations, and nonprofit organizations–in short, anyone who wants to learn how to facilitate Appreciative Inquiry.
TRAINING SEGMENTS:

The AIFT consists of eight (8) modules within the four training segments. Each segment consists of modules containing exercises, readings, and discussions.
DEFINE AI AND BUILD COMMUNITY
Learning Outcomes:

Build community collaboratively in order to function in a strong learning community.

Reflect on how you will build community in the future as an AI facilitator.

Define appreciative inquiry.

Develop a common understanding what appreciative inquiry is and how it is applied.

EXPERIENCE APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY
Learning Outcomes:

Experience the five generic processes of appreciative inquiry as they apply to designing your learning within the AIFT.

UNCOVER THE POWER OF APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY
Learning Outcomes:

Identify and ingrate key theory components of appreciative inquiry to support your foundations as an AI facilitator.

CREATE TOPICS OF INQUIRY AND INTERVIEW GUIDES
Learning Outcomes:

Identify an affirmative topic for an inquiry and modify the generic interview guide.

Reflect on facilitator considerations.

KEY AI FACILITATION CONSIDERATIONS
Learning Outcomes:

Assess and integrate key appreciative inquiry facilitation considerations.

Learn about Core Teams and their role in the AI Process.

Learn various forms of AI engagement.

GROUND APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY IN EVIDENCE
Learning Outcomes:

Discover the research and evidence that underpins the work of appreciative inquiry and integrate these ideas into your facilitation toolkit.

LIVE AND FACILITATE APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY
Learning Outcomes:

Integrate facilitator skills and knowledge and seek to clarify how you will process as an AI facilitator.

Learn about the four clusters of competencies in developing emotional and social intelligence.

Create a personal action plan around the topic of “being your best as a facilitator”.

GROUND APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY IN EVIDENCE
Learning Outcomes:

Learn about the requirements needed to earn your Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator Certification from The Center for Appreciative Inquiry.

Utilize a checklist for designing and facilitating systems change.

AIFT SCHEDULE:

The Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator Training (AIFT©) 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:
MONDAYOctober 20, 20259:00am-11:00am (PDT)
TUESDAYOctober 21, 20259:00am-11:00am (PDT)
WEDNESDAYOctober 22, 2025 9:00am-11:00am (PDT)
THURSDAYOctober 23, 20259:00am-11:00am (PDT)
WEEK 2:
MONDAYOctober 27, 20259:00am-11:00am (PDT)
TUESDAYOctober 28, 20259:00am-11:00am (PDT)
WEDNESDAYOctober 29, 20259:00am-11:00am (PDT)
THURSDAYOctober 30, 20259:00am-11:00am (PDT)

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.
ORIENTATION
To ensure that all participants are off to a strong start, we will host a LIVE ORIENTATION SESSION – Monday, October 13, 2025 at 9 a.m. PT. This session will include an overview of course timelines, learning objectives, and a walk-through of the online platform. It’s also a chance to connect with trainers and other participants. If you’re unable to attend, the session will be recorded.
ADDITIONAL COURSE INFORMATION

REQUIRED TEXTBOOK

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 aligns with your learning style and preference. Click on the book cover image to learn more about the book and order your copy.
METHOD OF DELIVERY
Participants in this Appreciative Inquiry training program will receive login information to the Center for Appreciative Inquiry’s (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.
LETTER OF COMPLETION

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.
CERTIFICATION PROCESS:

REQUIREMENTS
In order to qualify for certification as an Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator with The Center for Appreciative Inquiry, each participant must:

Actively participate in an Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator Training (AIFT).

Design and facilitate an appreciative inquiry engagement for a team, organization, group, or community using the 5-D Appreciative Inquiry process. Your AIFT trainers serve as an advisor to you during your practicum – at no extra cost.

Complete and submit a practicum (narrative) for review. Practicums demonstrate your understanding and application of Appreciative Inquiry by sharing your facilitation experience, learnings, insights, and outcomes.

PRACTICUM REVIEW

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.
WHAT’S INCLUDED

Once certified, your Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator Certification lasts for 2 years and includes:

An Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator Certification document for your records;

Permission to use of the Center for Appreciative Inquiry Certification logo to embed on your website or include in your email signature;

Exclusive access to content and events reserved only for certified AI Community Members.

A free profile listing on our Appreciative Inquiry Directory for the duration of your certification. Learn more about the benefits of our AI Directory here.

Conversations Worth Having Trainer Certification
2025-10-23 07:00 - 2025-10-24 13:00 | Virtual Event
TRANSFORM CONVERSATIONS AS A CWH TRAINER
Step into a world where conversations spark connection, foster collaboration, and drive meaningful change. The Conversations Worth Having (CWH) Trainer Certification program equips you with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to lead impactful workshops that transform the way individuals and organizations communicate. Whether you’re looking to expand your professional offerings or empower your team, this certification prepares you to teach transformative communication skills and create thriving environments.
CWH TRAINER CERTIFICATION PROGRAM
Transform the way individuals and organizations connect, communicate, and thrive through meaningful conversations. The CWH Trainer Certification program is a dynamic and highly experiential course designed to help you lead impactful workshops that foster authentic dialogue, strengthen relationships, and inspire transformational change. Grounded in Appreciative Inquiry, positive psychology, and neuroscience, this program empowers you to create environments where people feel heard, valued, and inspired. You’ll gain the tools to address and navigate challenges, invite collaboration, and spark innovative solutions. As a certified CWH Trainer, you’ll play a vital role in cultivating leadership, fostering strong connections, and transforming obstacles into opportunities for meaningful growth.
CWH CERTIFICATION OPTIONS & OVERVIEW
Choose from two certification pathways to align with your goals: SINGLE CWH Certification or DUAL CWH Certification. Both options enable you to officially deliver the Conversations Worth Having Bootcamps, in part or in its entirety, offering the flexibility to tailor your approach to meet a variety of needs.
EXPLORE EACH CERTIFICATION PROGRAM…

Click on the program name below to expand the section and view detailed information, including an overview, learning objectives, prerequisites, and program duration.
SINGLE CWH TRAINER CERTIFICATION OVERVIEW
The Single CWH Trainer Certification program equips you with the tools, insights, and confidence to deliver the transformative Conversation Bootcamp. This program will help you guide individuals, teams, and organizations in mastering intentional communication practices that foster connection, collaboration, and positive change. As a certified trainer, you will deliver impactful workshops that teach participants two foundational Appreciative Inquiry practices — positive framing and generative questions. These practices will empower participants to craft thoughtful questions, reframe challenges, and deliver meaningful feedback. By applying the tools and techniques from this course, you will facilitate transformative conversations, strengthen relationships, and help others create environments where individuals and organizations can thrive. LEARNING OBJECTIVES: After completing the Single CWH Trainer Certification program, you will be equipped to lead transformative workshops, facilitate the Conversation Bootcamp, and empower others to cultivate thriving workplaces and communities. Through this certification, you will develop the skills to: Through this certification program, you will develop the skills to:

Deliver the Conversation Bootcamp, guiding participants through its four essential modules designed to enhance communication and foster productive engagement.

Teach others how to apply Appreciative Inquiry principles to frame workplace challenges, ask generative questions, and unlock creativity and potential.

Help people reframe challenges, transforming negative or unproductive conversations into conversations worth having using a strengths-based approach.

Coach individuals and teams in developing the ability to seek, receive, and provide effective feedback, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

Guide participants in using mindfulness tools to shift from reactionary communication to intentional dialogue, creating space for meaningful and productive interactions.

PRE-REQUISITE: To enroll in the Single CWH Trainer Certification course, participants must successfully complete of the Conversation Bootcamp. DURATION: The Single CWH Trainer Certification program is a 1-day, 6-hour intensive training consisting of virtual instruction and applied practice.
DUAL CWH TRAINER CERTIFICATION OVERVIEW
The Dual CWH Trainer Certification program equips you with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to deliver both the Conversation Bootcamp and the Strategic Conversations Bootcamp. This certification expands your capacity to lead transformative workshops that enhance communication, cultivate strategic thinking, and empower individuals and teams to navigate change effectively. As a certified trainer, you will guide participants in mastering two foundational Appreciative Inquiry practices—positive framing and generative questions—to improve workplace conversations, strengthen relationships, and drive meaningful change. In addition, you will learn how to facilitate SOAR strategic conversations, engage stakeholders in whole systems thinking, and apply the Appreciative Inquiry 5-D Cycle to organizational planning and transformation. LEARNING OBJECTIVES: In addition to the learning objectives covered in the Single CWH Trainer Certification program, the Dual CWH Trainer Certification further expands your ability to facilitate strategic conversations and whole systems engagement while strengthening your capacity to help individuals, teams, and organizations build stronger relationships, deepen engagement, and create thriving, future-focused workplaces. After completing this certification program, you will gain the ability to: Deliver both the Conversation Bootcamp and the Strategic Conversations Bootcamp, guiding participants through essential modules focused on communication, collaboration, and strategic engagement.

Teach others how to apply Appreciative Inquiry to frame workplace challenges, ask generative questions, and unlock creativity and innovation.

Facilitate SOAR strategic conversations at any level – individual, team, division, or organization – guiding participants in adopting a strengths-based approach to planning and decision-making.

Introduce the Appreciative Inquiry 5-D Cycle, demonstrating how it engages whole systems in meaningful and impactful conversations for strategic change.

Empower teams to embrace whole systems thinking, engaging multiple stakeholders in conversations that drive organizational success.

Teach effective feedback strategies, cultivating a culture of continuous learning, growth, and engagement.

Explore and facilitate whole systems engagement processes, including Design Thinking, World Café, and Open Space Technology, to support large-scale collaboration and innovation.

PRE-REQUISITE: To enroll in the Dual CWH Trainer Certification program, you must have completed both the Conversation Bootcamp and the Strategic Conversations Bootcamp (available live or on-demand). DURATION: The Dual CWH Certification Program is a 2-day, 12-hour intensive virtual training, providing hands-on instruction, applied practice, and expert facilitation techniques.
CWH CERTIFICATION DATES & TIMES

SINGLE CERTIFICATION
Conversations Worth Having (CWH) Certification
DUAL CERTIFICATION
CWH Certification &Strategic Conversations Certification
Thurs., Oct. 23, 2025
Thurs. & Fri., Oct. 23-24, 2025
7:00am-1:00pm PDT10:00am-4:00pm EDT
7:00am-1:00pm PDT10:00am-4:00pm EDT

BENEFITS OF CWH CERTIFICATION
Enrolling in the CWH Trainer Certification course provides you with everything you need to confidently teach Conversations Worth Having and facilitate the bootcamps for which you are certified. From comprehensive training materials to ongoing professional support, you’ll gain the tools, resources, and community connections to successfully implement and deliver these transformative programs.
AS A PARTICIPANT:
When you enroll in the CWH Certification course, you gain access to a comprehensive suite of resources designed to support your success. Your registration includes:

Minimum of one-year (1) access to the latest online training materials.

CWH Training PowerPoint slides and agendas.

Participant workbook.

CWH Study Guide.

CWH WoJo.

Case studies, stories, and activities.

CWH Bootcamp videos.

Certificate of Completion template.

CWH marketing and promotional materials.

Ability to co-brand materials.

CWHConnect Calls: Community of Practice (connect, share, and learn among CWH trainers).

Consulting and training referrals.

AS A CERTIFIED CWH TRAINER:
Beyond the benefits of your certification course, becoming a certified CWH trainer unlocks exclusive opportunities to expand your impact, enhance your professional credibility, and connect with a thriving community. You will also enjoy:

A profile listing on the CWH Institute website.

Opportunity to work with the CWH Community in ways that may increase professional exposure, credibility, and residual income.

Opportunity to submit open trainings through The Center for Appreciative Inquiry and CWH Institute website.

A SOAR profile to help you better understand your natural capacity for strategic thinking, planning, and leading (available to participants enrolled in dual CWH certification for Strategic Conversations).

CERTIFICATION DESIGNED FOR
The CWH Trainer Certification is ideal for professionals from a wide range of industries, including:

Managers & Program Directors looking to enhance leadership communication, team engagement, and workplace culture.

Educators & Professors looking to integrate appreciative communication techniques into teaching, advising, and student development.

Consultants & HR Professionals looking to help organizations cultivate positive workplace relationships and improve team dynamics.

Healthcare & Wellness Professionals looking to strengthen patient care, interdisciplinary collaboration, and team communication.

Training & Development Specialists looking to design and deliver engaging, transformative learning experiences.

Non-Profit & Community Leaders looking to inspire change, mobilize communities, and foster inclusive dialogue.

Coaches, Counselors & Clinicians looking to support clients in developing strengths-based communication and problem-solving skills.

METHOD OF DELIVERY
Conversations Worth Having Trainer Certification courses are delivered live via Zoom and recorded for later review and continued learning. You can join these interactive sessions from any device—computer, tablet, or mobile—using the connection method that works best for you. Your trainers will email you a week prior to the event with additional program details to ensure you feel prepared, supported, and ready for an engaging and meaningful learning experience.
PROGRAM OFFERED IN COLLABORATION WITH

Resilience Reset
2025-11-05 09:00 - 2025-11-19 10:00 | Virtual Event
HONE YOUR RESILIENCE PRACTICE WITH APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY
In these turbulent times, being resilient is about practicing in the every-day of our lives and work. It is not a place we get to arrive at nor a place where we can permanently reside. Being resilient does not make us immune to the challenges of work and life. Rather, being resilient lets us venture and evolve using all of our strengths in the most challenging of times. Resilience Reset is an opportunity to focus on the strengths we bring to creating an appreciative resilience practice. Grounded in Appreciative Inquiry, appreciative resilience is a powerful practice that explores how leaders can cultivate hope, uplift strengths in times of despair, and foster forgiveness as part of their resilience practice.
EVENT DATES AND TIMES:

Session 1: Session 2: Session 3: HONING THE PRACTICE OF RESILIENCE CULTIVATING STRENGTHS SEEING WITH NEW LENSES November 5, 2025 November 12, 2025 November 19, 2025 9:00am-10:00am PDT 12:00pm-1:00pm EDT 4:00pm-5:00pm GMT 9:00am-10:00am PDT 12:00pm-1:00pm EDT 4:00pm-5:00pm GMT 9:00am-10:00am PDT 12:00pm-1:00pm EDT 4:00pm-5:00pm GMT

RESILIENCE RESET OVERVIEW:
Resilience Reset is a 3-part virtual series designed to help leaders dwell in what is happening at this moment in history and find ways to sustain themselves and their organizations. Join Joan McArthur-Blair and Jeanie Cockell for a highly interactive conversation about resilience in our complex world. During these sessions, Jeanie and Joan will curate topics from their resilience work and invite topics from participants. Brief descriptions for each session are listed below.
SESSION 1: HONING THE PRACTICE OF RESILIENCE
Participants will engage in a dynamic conversation about the ways in which they can amplify and uplift their strengths in challenging times. This session:

Introduces the appreciative resilience model.

Provides an overview of appreciative inquiry.

Focuses on how we can practice appreciative resilience in times of despair.

SESSION 2: CULTIVATING STRENGTHS

A powerful conversation on how hope is the cornerstone of an appreciative resilience practice. This session:

Provides a short overview of the appreciative resilience model.

Hones in on the practice of hope in the everyday of resilience.

SESSION 3: SEEING WITH NEW LENSES
A deeply crafted conversation on the role of forgiveness in appreciative resilience. In this last session, participants will:

Quickly review appreciative inquiry and the appreciative resilience model.

Delve into how a deep practice of forgiveness plays an essential part in building resilience.

ADDITIONAL PROGRAM INFORMATION:

METHOD OF DELIVERY

These live conversations will be delivered using Zoom. You will receive the Zoom meeting information upon registration. It will be listed in your confirmation email. To optimize your learning experience, we highly recommend participating in this course using a laptop or desktop computer.
SUGGESTED READING

This virtual series is built upon the book, Building Resilience with Appreciative Inquiry: A Leadership Journey through Hope, Despair, and Forgiveness (2018) written by Joan McArthur-Blair and Jeanie Cockell. Appreciative Inquiry (AI) is a widely used change approach that emphasizes identifying what’s working well in a system. Leaders can use AI to increase their ability to weather the storms they’ll inevitably encounter and be resilient. A profound guide, this book features personal accounts from leaders across a variety of settings describing how they’ve practiced appreciative resilience in the ongoing cycle of hope, despair, and forgiveness.
OFFERED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

Virtual Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator Training (vAIFT)
2026-03-23 09:00 - 2026-04-02 11:00 | CAI Online Learning Platform
FACILITATE POSITIVE CHANGE USING APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY

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 organization’s 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.
DESIGNED FOR:
Leaders in businesses and corporations, community development, educational organizations, governmental organizations, and nonprofit organizations–in short, anyone who wants to learn how to facilitate Appreciative Inquiry.
TRAINING SEGMENTS:

The AIFT consists of eight (8) modules within the four training segments. Each segment consists of modules containing exercises, readings, and discussions.
DEFINE AI AND BUILD COMMUNITY
Learning Outcomes:

Build community collaboratively in order to function in a strong learning community.

Reflect on how you will build community in the future as an AI facilitator.

Define appreciative inquiry.

Develop a common understanding what appreciative inquiry is and how it is applied.

EXPERIENCE APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY
Learning Outcomes:

Experience the five generic processes of appreciative inquiry as they apply to designing your learning within the AIFT.

UNCOVER THE POWER OF APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY
Learning Outcomes:

Identify and ingrate key theory components of appreciative inquiry to support your foundations as an AI facilitator.

CREATE TOPICS OF INQUIRY AND INTERVIEW GUIDES
Learning Outcomes:

Identify an affirmative topic for an inquiry and modify the generic interview guide.

Reflect on facilitator considerations.

KEY AI FACILITATION CONSIDERATIONS
Learning Outcomes:

Assess and integrate key appreciative inquiry facilitation considerations.

Learn about Core Teams and their role in the AI Process.

Learn various forms of AI engagement.

GROUND APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY IN EVIDENCE
Learning Outcomes:

Discover the research and evidence that underpins the work of appreciative inquiry and integrate these ideas into your facilitation toolkit.

LIVE AND FACILITATE APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY
Learning Outcomes:

Integrate facilitator skills and knowledge and seek to clarify how you will process as an AI facilitator.

Learn about the four clusters of competencies in developing emotional and social intelligence.

Create a personal action plan around the topic of “being your best as a facilitator”.

GROUND APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY IN EVIDENCE
Learning Outcomes:

Learn about the requirements needed to earn your Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator Certification from The Center for Appreciative Inquiry.

Utilize a checklist for designing and facilitating systems change.

AIFT SCHEDULE:

The Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator Training (AIFT©) 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 March 23, 2026 9:00am-11:00am PT TUESDAY March 24, 2026 9:00am-11:00am PT WEDNESDAY March 25, 2026 9:00am-11:00am PT THURSDAY March 26, 2026 9:00am-11:00am PT WEEK 2: MONDAY March 30, 2026 9:00am-11:00am PT TUESDAY March 31, 2026 9:00am-11:00am PT WEDNESDAY April 1, 2026 9:00am-11:00am PT THURSDAY April 2, 2026 9:00am-11:00am PT

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.
ORIENTATION
To ensure that all participants are off to a strong start, we will host a LIVE ORIENTATION SESSION – Monday, March 16, 2026 at 9am Pacific Time. This session will include an overview of course timelines, learning objectives, and a walk-through of the online platform. It’s also a chance to connect with trainers and other participants. If you’re unable to attend, the session will be recorded.
ADDITIONAL COURSE INFORMATION

REQUIRED TEXTBOOK

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 aligns with your learning style and preference. Click on the book cover image to learn more about the book and order your copy.
METHOD OF DELIVERY
Participants in this Appreciative Inquiry training program will receive login information to the Center for Appreciative Inquiry’s (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.
LETTER OF COMPLETION

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.
CERTIFICATION PROCESS:

REQUIREMENTS
In order to qualify for certification as an Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator with The Center for Appreciative Inquiry, each participant must:

Actively participate in an Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator Training (AIFT).

Design and facilitate an appreciative inquiry engagement for a team, organization, group, or community using the 5-D Appreciative Inquiry process. Your AIFT trainers serve as an advisor to you during your practicum – at no extra cost.

Complete and submit a practicum (narrative) for review. Practicums demonstrate your understanding and application of Appreciative Inquiry by sharing your facilitation experience, learnings, insights, and outcomes.

PRACTICUM REVIEW

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.
WHAT’S INCLUDED

Once certified, your Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator Certification lasts for 2 years and includes:

An Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator Certification document for your records;

Permission to use of the Center for Appreciative Inquiry Certification logo to embed on your website or include in your email signature;

Exclusive access to content and events reserved only for certified AI Community Members.

A free profile listing on our Appreciative Inquiry Directory for the duration of your certification. Learn more about the benefits of our AI Directory here.

Introduction to SOAR: Creating Strategies & Strategic Plans That Invite Innovation and Engagement
2026-04-23 09:00 - 2026-04-24 12:00 | Virtual Event
DEVELOP STRATEGY & INVITE ENGAGEMENT USING THE SOAR FRAMEWORK
This workshop provides participants with a foundational understanding of the powerful SOAR framework—Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations, and Results—designed to enhance strategic thinking, strategizing, planning, and leading. Attendees will learn to recognize and harness their organization’s internal strengths, identify external opportunities, clarify their aspirations, and define specific results they aspire to achieve. Through interactive discussions and practical examples, this workshop equips participants with the tools and mindset to adopt a proactive, appreciative, and positive approach to strategy development, fostering innovation, and driving sustainable growth within their organizations. Whether applied to business, personal development, or team dynamics, this workshop serves as a gateway to unleashing the full potential of the SOAR framework. Utilize SOAR’s positive framework to enhance your ability to strategize, lead, and plan effectively.
SOAR WORKSHOP DATES & TIMES:
There are two workshops available for you to maximize your SOAR learning, planning, and application: Introduction to SOAR and SOAR Design. Below are the dates and times for both workshops. Please note: Introduction to SOAR is a pre-requisite for the SOAR Design workshop.
INTRODUCTION TO SOAR April 23-24, 2026 9am-12pm Pacific / 12pm-3pm Eastern SOAR DESIGN May 7, 2026 9am-12pm Pacific / 12pm-3pm Eastern Pre-requisite: None Pre-requisite: Introduction to SOAR

INTRODUCTION TO SOAR WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION:
SOAR, a positive approach to strategic thinking, planning, leading, conversations, and operating allows anyone at any level in an organization to create strategy and strategic plans. The operating system of SOAR is Appreciative Inquiry, which is one of the most effective and widely used approaches for strategic change. You will learn how to engage your teams in strategic conversations using SOAR to:

Increase engagement, productivity, commitment, and effectiveness at multiple levels in your organization.

Develop strategies by providing a flexible approach that emphasizes strengths and opportunities, aligning them with aspirations and results.

Create strategic plans with values, vision, mission, purpose, and goals.

Promote positive and forward-thinking, appreciative mindset.

Develop your personal strategic leadership development strategy plan.

SOAR is a valuable framework and approach for organizations looking to take a proactive and positive approach to strategic development, focusing on leveraging their existing strengths and external opportunities to achieve their aspirations and desired results. As an Organization Development Consultant, I was thrilled to see a public offering for a SOAR workshop presented by Jackie Stavros, the creator of the framework. Having Melissa Robaina bring her expertise with Appreciative Inquiry was a real bonus! The workshop was content rich and the resources exceptional. I am glad I invested in this work and came away with more than I could have hoped for.
– Michele Hansen, Principal, Prismatic Business Solutions

INTRODUCTION TO SOAR WORKSHOP CONTENT:
Introduction to SOAR: Creating Strategies & Strategic Plans that Invite Innovation and Engagement consists of five (5) modules that will provide key insights, learnings, and tools that you can apply in your strategic leadership. Click the title of each module below to display its purpose and learning objectives. PURPOSE: Introduce the value of cultivating strategic thinking skills from an appreciative mindset. LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

Understand the importance of strategic thinking as cognitive process and mindset.

Learn language of strategy and strategic planning.

Share the history of positive organization science/scholarship (POS).

Introduce Appreciative Inquiry (AI) as the operating system of SOAR.

PURPOSE: Introduce SOAR framework and approach, its purpose, and how it can be applied in different contexts from strategy to strategic planning and leadership development. LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

Learn the essence and flexibility of SOAR.

Understand the efficacy of the SOAR elements.

Show how SOAR builds upon SWOT.

Case 1: Strategic Conversation – Revitalization Strategy.

Introduce 3 Key Strategic Factors of SOAR.

PURPOSE: Learn how to apply SOAR at various levels in an organization. LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

Learn how to apply SOAR in:

every day strategic conversations.

coaching and mentoring others.

creating strategies (Quick SOAR).

Case 2: SOAR: Creating a Strategy at Division Level.

Case 3: SOAR: Strategic Coaching Approach to High-Performing Culture.

PURPOSE: Learn how to use SOAR for system-wide strategic planning or change with the Appreciative Inquiry (AI) 5-D/5-I Cycle. LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

Learn how to involve stakeholder representation on your strategic planning team.

Share the evolution of SOAR with the AI 5-D/5-I Cycle.

Case 4: Creating a Whole System Strategic Plan.

PURPOSE: Learn how to use SOAR at the level of self to develop effective leadership skills for your strategic leadership development plan. LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

Learn how to identify your values, vision, and mission with purpose.

Identify your current strengths as a leader and what weakness you might wish to explore to turn it into an opportunity to cultivate a strength.

Explore opportunities for leadership growth and development.

Determine your leadership aspirations: what type of leader are you and want to further develop into?

How to establish specific, measurable results you want to achieve in your leadership development.

Formulate your leadership strategies, plans, and future learning resources.

This is a very practical workshop that focuses on helping you better understand the variety of ways SOAR can be used from a single person to a large organization. The instructor is focused on ensuring content is relevant to how you want to use SOAR. She provides many practical examples, article, and other learning materials to continue to explore and grow after the program is over. - Andrew Whitis, Interim Executive Director, OhioNet This workshop highlights the true power of SOAR. I left with a deeper understanding of the framework and how it can be used to improve organizational planning, strengthen teams and guide own own individual development. - Sara Bozeman, Consultant, Office of Patient-Centered Care & Cultural Transformation, Department of Veterans Affairs The ‘Introduction to SOAR Creating Strategy and Strategic Plans that Inspire’ training event was very good from start to finish as evidenced by comprehensive pre-training preparation, positive, energizing content that contributed to skills enhancement, glitch free Zoom technology, highly experienced trainers whose interactive training style provided ongoing opportunities for participation including trainee feedback and posing of questions. Post training reading materials were an indicator of going the extra-mile to enhance trainee’s competence and capabilities. - Dennis Whitford, Owner/Operator, 2Thunder Consulting Insightful and impactful — the SOAR sessions re-engaged and energized my thinking about how to apply appreciative inquiry in strategic situations to help individuals, teams, and organizations reach new heights. - Pam Cash, Co-Founder and Chief of Positive Change, Next Ascent, LLC. I really appreciate The Center for AI offering such a phenomenal program on SOAR with Jackie and Melissa – WOW! Talk about time well spent — it was an absolute pleasure and privilege and will say that this offering is by far one of the ‘high points’ in my learning journey. Jackie is incredible and her generosity is unparalleled! From the SOAR Design workshop (from part II of the series), I delivered a ‘micro-SOAR’ and council members walked away from the session feeling seen, heard, and inspired. Huge kudos to Jackie for developing dynamic and profound SOAR framework, and her willingness to share her insights!! - L. Barbour, Resilience Director, Optum Workplace Well-Being
ADDITIONAL WORKSHOP INFORMATION:

REQUIRED BOOK
The SOAR workshops utilize the book, Learning to SOAR: Creating Strategy that Inspires Innovation and Engagement by Jacqueline Stavros and Gina Hinrichs. You will need to purchase this book prior to the start of this course. This short, easy-to-read book is available in electronic, paperback, or audio – please choose the format that best suits your learning style.
METHOD OF DELIVERY:

This workshop will be delivered via Zoom and will use various Zoom features, including the annotation tool. To maximize your learning experience, please participate using a desktop or laptop computer. You will receive a Zoom meeting link in a separate email two weeks prior to the event.
LETTER OF COMPLETION

To obtain a letter of completion from The Center for Appreciative Inquiry, each participant must actively participate and complete the workshop. Letters of completion include your name, date of your training, and number of classroom hours earned and will be presented to participants after the training.
WORKSHOP OFFERED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:

WANT TO TRAIN A TEAM OR GROUP?
This workshop can be delivered for groups and organizations who wish to train a large number of individuals on the SOAR framework to support their strategy and strategic planning efforts. Please complete the CONTACT US form to receive more information about hosting a private course for your group.

SOAR Design Workshop
2026-05-07 09:00 - 12:00 | Virtual Event
IDENTIFY OPPORTUNITIES TO APPLY & DESIGN SOAR
This SOAR Design Workshop is an engaging and collaborative session where we will explore a variety of SOAR designs from team to division, department, organization, and industry level. During this workshop, participants will learn how to design SOAR engagements to their client or organization’s wishes. There will also be a case scenario on how to help an executive leader learn how to use SOAR.
SOAR DESIGN WORKSHOP DATES & TIMES:
There are two workshops available for you to maximize your SOAR learning, planning, and application: Introduction to SOAR and SOAR Design. Below are the dates and times for both workshops. Please note: Introduction to SOAR is a pre-requisite for the SOAR Design workshop.
INTRODUCTION TO SOAR April 23-24, 2026 9am-12pm Pacific / 12pm-3pm Eastern SOAR DESIGN May 7, 2026 9am-12pm Pacific / 12pm-3pm Eastern Pre-requisite: None Pre-requisite: Introduction to SOAR

SOAR DESIGN WORKSHOP CONTENT:
By utilizing the SOAR framework, attendees gain a holistic perspective, fostering a positive and proactive approach to strategy and strategic planning. This interactive session guides participants on how their SOAR designs connect to mission with purpose, encourage teamwork, align those around a shared vision, and ultimately leads to the development of actionable strategies and plans that maximize a team or an organization’s potential for success. Participants will come to this session with at least one draft of a SOAR strategic engagement. Time will be allotted for asking about SOAR designs and engagements.
PURPOSE:
Identify opportunities to apply and design SOAR engagements.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

Recognize and target opportunities for applying SOAR at multiple levels of your organization.

Review a variety of SOAR-based templates.

Case Scenario: What Would You Do?

Draft a SOAR Strategy or Strategic Planning Design.

This workshop highlights the true power of SOAR. I left with a deeper understanding of the framework and how it can be used to improve organizational planning, strengthen teams and guide our own individual development.
– Sara Bozeman, Consultant,
Office of Patient-Centered Care & Cultural Transformation, Department of Veterans Affairs
This is a very practical workshop that focuses on helping you better understand the variety of ways SOAR can be used from a single person to a large organization. The instructor is focused on ensuring content is relevant to how you want to use SOAR. She provides many practical examples, article, and other learning materials to continue to explore and grow after the program is over. – Andrew Whitis, Interim Executive Director, OhioNet The ‘Introduction to SOAR Creating Strategy and Strategic Plans that Inspire’ training event was very good from start to finish as evidenced by comprehensive pre-training preparation, positive, energizing content that contributed to skills enhancement, glitch free Zoom technology, highly experienced trainers whose interactive training style provided ongoing opportunities for participation including trainee feedback and posing of questions. Post training reading materials were an indicator of going the extra-mile to enhance trainee’s competence and capabilities. – Dennis Whitford, Owner/Operator, 2Thunder Consulting As an Organization Development Consultant, I was thrilled to see a public offering for a SOAR workshop presented by Jackie Stavros, the creator of the framework. Having Melissa Robaina bring her expertise with Appreciative Inquiry was a real bonus! The workshop was content rich and the resources exceptional. I am glad I invested in this work and came away with more than I could have hoped for. – Michele Hansen, Principal, Prismatic Business Solutions Insightful and impactful — the SOAR sessions re-engaged and energized my thinking about how to apply appreciative inquiry in strategic situations to help individuals, teams, and organizations reach new heights. – Pam Cash, Co-Founder and Chief of Positive Change, Next Ascent, LLC. I really appreciate The Center for AI offering such a phenomenal program on SOAR with Jackie and Melissa – WOW! Talk about time well spent — it was an absolute pleasure and privilege and will say that this offering is by far one of the ‘high points’ in my learning journey. Jackie is incredible and her generosity is unparalleled! From the SOAR Design workshop (from part II of the series), I delivered a ‘micro-SOAR’ and council members walked away from the session feeling seen, heard, and inspired. Huge kudos to Jackie for developing dynamic and profound SOAR framework, and her willingness to share her insights!! – L. Barbour, Resilience Director, Optum Workplace Well-Being
ADDITIONAL WORKSHOP INFORMATION:

REQUIRED BOOK
The SOAR workshops utilize the book, Learning to SOAR: Creating Strategy that Inspires Innovation and Engagement by Jacqueline Stavros and Gina Hinrichs. You will need to purchase this book prior to the start of this course. This short, easy-to-read book is available in electronic, paperback, or audio – please choose the format that best suits your learning style.
METHOD OF DELIVERY:

This workshop will be delivered via Zoom and will use various Zoom features, including the annotation tool. To maximize your learning experience, please participate using a desktop or laptop computer. You will receive a Zoom meeting link in a separate email two weeks prior to the event.
LETTER OF COMPLETION

To obtain a letter of completion from The Center for Appreciative Inquiry, each participant must actively participate and complete the workshop. Letters of completion include your name, date of your training, and number of classroom hours earned and will be presented to participants after the training.
WORKSHOP OFFERED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:

WANT TO TRAIN A TEAM OR GROUP?
This workshop can be delivered for groups and organizations who wish to train a large number of individuals on the SOAR framework to support their strategy and strategic planning efforts. Please complete the CONTACT US form to receive more information about hosting a private course for your group.

Virtual Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator Training (vAIFT)
2026-06-01 09:00 - 2026-06-11 11:00 | CAI Online Learning Platform
FACILITATE POSITIVE CHANGE USING APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY

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 organization’s 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.
DESIGNED FOR:
Leaders in businesses and corporations, community development, educational organizations, governmental organizations, and nonprofit organizations–in short, anyone who wants to learn how to facilitate Appreciative Inquiry.
TRAINING SEGMENTS:

The AIFT consists of eight (8) modules within the four training segments. Each segment consists of modules containing exercises, readings, and discussions.
DEFINE AI AND BUILD COMMUNITY
Learning Outcomes:

Build community collaboratively in order to function in a strong learning community.

Reflect on how you will build community in the future as an AI facilitator.

Define appreciative inquiry.

Develop a common understanding what appreciative inquiry is and how it is applied.

EXPERIENCE APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY
Learning Outcomes:

Experience the five generic processes of appreciative inquiry as they apply to designing your learning within the AIFT.

UNCOVER THE POWER OF APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY
Learning Outcomes:

Identify and ingrate key theory components of appreciative inquiry to support your foundations as an AI facilitator.

CREATE TOPICS OF INQUIRY AND INTERVIEW GUIDES
Learning Outcomes:

Identify an affirmative topic for an inquiry and modify the generic interview guide.

Reflect on facilitator considerations.

KEY AI FACILITATION CONSIDERATIONS
Learning Outcomes:

Assess and integrate key appreciative inquiry facilitation considerations.

Learn about Core Teams and their role in the AI Process.

Learn various forms of AI engagement.

GROUND APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY IN EVIDENCE
Learning Outcomes:

Discover the research and evidence that underpins the work of appreciative inquiry and integrate these ideas into your facilitation toolkit.

LIVE AND FACILITATE APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY
Learning Outcomes:

Integrate facilitator skills and knowledge and seek to clarify how you will process as an AI facilitator.

Learn about the four clusters of competencies in developing emotional and social intelligence.

Create a personal action plan around the topic of “being your best as a facilitator”.

GROUND APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY IN EVIDENCE
Learning Outcomes:

Learn about the requirements needed to earn your Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator Certification from The Center for Appreciative Inquiry.

Utilize a checklist for designing and facilitating systems change.

AIFT SCHEDULE:

The Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator Training (AIFT©) 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 June 1, 2026 9:00am-11:00am PT TUESDAY June 2, 2026 9:00am-11:00am PT WEDNESDAY June 3, 2026 9:00am-11:00am PT THURSDAY June 4, 2026 9:00am-11:00am PT WEEK 2: MONDAY June 8, 2026 9:00am-11:00am PT TUESDAY June 9, 2026 9:00am-11:00am PT WEDNESDAY June 10, 2026 9:00am-11:00am PT THURSDAY June 11, 2026 9:00am-11:00am PT

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.
ORIENTATION
To ensure that all participants are off to a strong start, we will host a LIVE ORIENTATION SESSION – Monday, May 18, 2026 at 9am Pacific Time. This session will include an overview of course timelines, learning objectives, and a walk-through of the online platform. It’s also a chance to connect with trainers and other participants. If you’re unable to attend, the session will be recorded.
ADDITIONAL COURSE INFORMATION

REQUIRED TEXTBOOK

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 aligns with your learning style and preference. Click on the book cover image to learn more about the book and order your copy.
METHOD OF DELIVERY
Participants in this Appreciative Inquiry training program will receive login information to the Center for Appreciative Inquiry’s (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.
LETTER OF COMPLETION

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.
CERTIFICATION PROCESS:

REQUIREMENTS
In order to qualify for certification as an Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator with The Center for Appreciative Inquiry, each participant must:

Actively participate in an Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator Training (AIFT).

Design and facilitate an appreciative inquiry engagement for a team, organization, group, or community using the 5-D Appreciative Inquiry process. Your AIFT trainers serve as an advisor to you during your practicum – at no extra cost.

Complete and submit a practicum (narrative) for review. Practicums demonstrate your understanding and application of Appreciative Inquiry by sharing your facilitation experience, learnings, insights, and outcomes.

PRACTICUM REVIEW

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.
WHAT’S INCLUDED

Once certified, your Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator Certification lasts for 2 years and includes:

An Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator Certification document for your records;

Permission to use of the Center for Appreciative Inquiry Certification logo to embed on your website or include in your email signature;

Exclusive access to content and events reserved only for certified AI Community Members.

A free profile listing on our Appreciative Inquiry Directory for the duration of your certification. Learn more about the benefits of our AI Directory here.

Virtual Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator Training (vAIFT)
2026-09-14 09:00 - 2026-09-24 11:00 | CAI Online Learning Platform
FACILITATE POSITIVE CHANGE USING APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY

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 organization’s 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.
DESIGNED FOR:
Leaders in businesses and corporations, community development, educational organizations, governmental organizations, and nonprofit organizations–in short, anyone who wants to learn how to facilitate Appreciative Inquiry.
TRAINING SEGMENTS:

The AIFT consists of eight (8) modules within the four training segments. Each segment consists of modules containing exercises, readings, and discussions.
DEFINE AI AND BUILD COMMUNITY
Learning Outcomes:

Build community collaboratively in order to function in a strong learning community.

Reflect on how you will build community in the future as an AI facilitator.

Define appreciative inquiry.

Develop a common understanding what appreciative inquiry is and how it is applied.

EXPERIENCE APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY
Learning Outcomes:

Experience the five generic processes of appreciative inquiry as they apply to designing your learning within the AIFT.

UNCOVER THE POWER OF APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY
Learning Outcomes:

Identify and ingrate key theory components of appreciative inquiry to support your foundations as an AI facilitator.

CREATE TOPICS OF INQUIRY AND INTERVIEW GUIDES
Learning Outcomes:

Identify an affirmative topic for an inquiry and modify the generic interview guide.

Reflect on facilitator considerations.

KEY AI FACILITATION CONSIDERATIONS
Learning Outcomes:

Assess and integrate key appreciative inquiry facilitation considerations.

Learn about Core Teams and their role in the AI Process.

Learn various forms of AI engagement.

GROUND APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY IN EVIDENCE
Learning Outcomes:

Discover the research and evidence that underpins the work of appreciative inquiry and integrate these ideas into your facilitation toolkit.

LIVE AND FACILITATE APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY
Learning Outcomes:

Integrate facilitator skills and knowledge and seek to clarify how you will process as an AI facilitator.

Learn about the four clusters of competencies in developing emotional and social intelligence.

Create a personal action plan around the topic of “being your best as a facilitator”.

GROUND APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY IN EVIDENCE
Learning Outcomes:

Learn about the requirements needed to earn your Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator Certification from The Center for Appreciative Inquiry.

Utilize a checklist for designing and facilitating systems change.

AIFT SCHEDULE:

The Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator Training (AIFT©) 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 September 14, 2026 9:00am-11:00am PT TUESDAY September 15, 2026 9:00am-11:00am PT WEDNESDAY September 16, 2026 9:00am-11:00am PT THURSDAY September 17, 2026 9:00am-11:00am PT WEEK 2: MONDAY September 21, 2026 9:00am-11:00am PT TUESDAY September 22, 2026 9:00am-11:00am PT WEDNESDAY September 23, 2026 9:00am-11:00am PT THURSDAY September 24, 2026 9:00am-11:00am PT

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.
ORIENTATION
To ensure that all participants are off to a strong start, we will host a LIVE ORIENTATION SESSION – Monday, August 31, 2026 at 9am Pacific Time. This session will include an overview of course timelines, learning objectives, and a walk-through of the online platform. It’s also a chance to connect with trainers and other participants. If you’re unable to attend, the session will be recorded.
ADDITIONAL COURSE INFORMATION

REQUIRED TEXTBOOK

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 aligns with your learning style and preference. Click on the book cover image to learn more about the book and order your copy.
METHOD OF DELIVERY
Participants in this Appreciative Inquiry training program will receive login information to the Center for Appreciative Inquiry’s (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.
LETTER OF COMPLETION

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.
CERTIFICATION PROCESS:

REQUIREMENTS
In order to qualify for certification as an Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator with The Center for Appreciative Inquiry, each participant must:

Actively participate in an Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator Training (AIFT).

Design and facilitate an appreciative inquiry engagement for a team, organization, group, or community using the 5-D Appreciative Inquiry process. Your AIFT trainers serve as an advisor to you during your practicum – at no extra cost.

Complete and submit a practicum (narrative) for review. Practicums demonstrate your understanding and application of Appreciative Inquiry by sharing your facilitation experience, learnings, insights, and outcomes.

PRACTICUM REVIEW

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.
WHAT’S INCLUDED

Once certified, your Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator Certification lasts for 2 years and includes:

An Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator Certification document for your records;

Permission to use of the Center for Appreciative Inquiry Certification logo to embed on your website or include in your email signature;

Exclusive access to content and events reserved only for certified AI Community Members.

A free profile listing on our Appreciative Inquiry Directory for the duration of your certification. Learn more about the benefits of our AI Directory here.

Virtual Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator Training (vAIFT)
2026-11-02 09:00 - 2026-11-12 11:00 | CAI Online Learning Platform
FACILITATE POSITIVE CHANGE USING APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY

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 organization’s 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.
DESIGNED FOR:
Leaders in businesses and corporations, community development, educational organizations, governmental organizations, and nonprofit organizations–in short, anyone who wants to learn how to facilitate Appreciative Inquiry.
TRAINING SEGMENTS:

The AIFT consists of eight (8) modules within the four training segments. Each segment consists of modules containing exercises, readings, and discussions.
DEFINE AI AND BUILD COMMUNITY
Learning Outcomes:

Build community collaboratively in order to function in a strong learning community.

Reflect on how you will build community in the future as an AI facilitator.

Define appreciative inquiry.

Develop a common understanding what appreciative inquiry is and how it is applied.

EXPERIENCE APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY
Learning Outcomes:

Experience the five generic processes of appreciative inquiry as they apply to designing your learning within the AIFT.

UNCOVER THE POWER OF APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY
Learning Outcomes:

Identify and ingrate key theory components of appreciative inquiry to support your foundations as an AI facilitator.

CREATE TOPICS OF INQUIRY AND INTERVIEW GUIDES
Learning Outcomes:

Identify an affirmative topic for an inquiry and modify the generic interview guide.

Reflect on facilitator considerations.

KEY AI FACILITATION CONSIDERATIONS
Learning Outcomes:

Assess and integrate key appreciative inquiry facilitation considerations.

Learn about Core Teams and their role in the AI Process.

Learn various forms of AI engagement.

GROUND APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY IN EVIDENCE
Learning Outcomes:

Discover the research and evidence that underpins the work of appreciative inquiry and integrate these ideas into your facilitation toolkit.

LIVE AND FACILITATE APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY
Learning Outcomes:

Integrate facilitator skills and knowledge and seek to clarify how you will process as an AI facilitator.

Learn about the four clusters of competencies in developing emotional and social intelligence.

Create a personal action plan around the topic of “being your best as a facilitator”.

GROUND APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY IN EVIDENCE
Learning Outcomes:

Learn about the requirements needed to earn your Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator Certification from The Center for Appreciative Inquiry.

Utilize a checklist for designing and facilitating systems change.

AIFT SCHEDULE:

The Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator Training (AIFT©) 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 November 2, 2026 9:00am-11:00am PT TUESDAY November 3, 2026 9:00am-11:00am PT WEDNESDAY November 4, 2026 9:00am-11:00am PT THURSDAY November 5, 2026 9:00am-11:00am PT WEEK 2: MONDAY November 9, 2026 9:00am-11:00am PT TUESDAY November 10, 2026 9:00am-11:00am PT WEDNESDAY November 11, 2026 9:00am-11:00am PT THURSDAY November 12, 2026 9:00am-11:00am PT

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.
ORIENTATION
To ensure that all participants are off to a strong start, we will host a LIVE ORIENTATION SESSION – Monday, October 26, 2026 at 9am Pacific Time. This session will include an overview of course timelines, learning objectives, and a walk-through of the online platform. It’s also a chance to connect with trainers and other participants. If you’re unable to attend, the session will be recorded.
ADDITIONAL COURSE INFORMATION

REQUIRED TEXTBOOK

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 aligns with your learning style and preference. Click on the book cover image to learn more about the book and order your copy.
METHOD OF DELIVERY
Participants in this Appreciative Inquiry training program will receive login information to the Center for Appreciative Inquiry’s (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.
LETTER OF COMPLETION

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.
CERTIFICATION PROCESS:

REQUIREMENTS
In order to qualify for certification as an Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator with The Center for Appreciative Inquiry, each participant must:

Actively participate in an Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator Training (AIFT).

Design and facilitate an appreciative inquiry engagement for a team, organization, group, or community using the 5-D Appreciative Inquiry process. Your AIFT trainers serve as an advisor to you during your practicum – at no extra cost.

Complete and submit a practicum (narrative) for review. Practicums demonstrate your understanding and application of Appreciative Inquiry by sharing your facilitation experience, learnings, insights, and outcomes.

PRACTICUM REVIEW

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.
WHAT’S INCLUDED

Once certified, your Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator Certification lasts for 2 years and includes:

An Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator Certification document for your records;

Permission to use of the Center for Appreciative Inquiry Certification logo to embed on your website or include in your email signature;

Exclusive access to content and events reserved only for certified AI Community Members.

A free profile listing on our Appreciative Inquiry Directory for the duration of your certification. Learn more about the benefits of our AI Directory here.
