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Introduction to SOAR: Creating Strategies & Strategic Plans That Invite Innovation and Engagement

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.

SOAR Framework stands for: Strengths - what are we best at? Opportunities: what are the possibilities? Aspirations: what are our dreams and wishes? and Results: what are meaningful and measurable results?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.

MODULE 1: Strategic Thinking

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.
MODULE 2: Learn 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.
MODULE 3: Strategic Applications 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.
MODULE 4: Strategic Planning - SOAR with the Appreciative Inquiry 5-D Cycle

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.
BONUS MODULE: SOAR into your Potential with Purpose

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.
WORKSHOP TESTIMONIALS

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.

Book cover for: Learning to SOAR: Creating Strategy that Inspires Innovation and Engagement by Jacqueline Stavros and Gina Hinrichs.

Buy SOAR Book
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:

SOAR Logo consists of the acronym SOAR with the words Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations, and Results written underneath.

Logo for Appreciative Inquiries, LLC.

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.

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Appreciative Inquiry Coach Training (AICT©)

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

International Coach Federation Continuing Coach Education Logo_This logo signifies that that Appreciative Inquiry Coach Training is an approved course and offers 32 hours towards ICF renewal requirements.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.

March 26, 2025 - Foundation & Orientation

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.

April 2, 2025 - Session 1: Building Community and Defining & Distinguishing Coaching

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.

April 9, 2025 - Session 2: Defining the Positive Topic in a Coaching Conversation

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

April 16, 2025 - Session 3: The Power of Questions and Contracting in Coaching

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.

April 23, 2025 - Session 4: Maintaining Presence - The Transition from Discovery into Dream

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.

April 30, 2025 - Session 5: Evoking Awareness Through the Appreciative Inquiry Principles

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.

May 7, 2025 - Session 6: Communicating with Impact - Social Styles for Coaching

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.

May 14, 2025 - Session 7: Developing a Provocative Proposition in a Coaching Session

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.

May 21, 2025 - Session 8: Group Coach Mentoring - Trainer Observation and Feedback

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.

May 28, 2025 - Session 9: Destiny as it Facilitates Client Growth

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.

June 4, 2025 - Session 10: Celebration, Practicum, and Completion

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.

Book Cover of Appreciative Coaching: A Positive Process for Change by Sara Orem, Jacqueline Binkert, and Ann L. Clancy

Appreciative Coaching: A Positive Process for Change (2007) by Sara Orem, Jacqueline Binkert, and Ann L. Clancy.

BUY APPRECIATIVE COACHING

Book cover for "Flourishing Together: Guide to Appreciative Inquiry Coaching" by Miriam Subriana. The cover consists of a watercolored field filled with bright orange and red flowers.

Flourishing Together: Guide to Appreciative Inquiry Coaching (2016) by Miriam Subriana.

BUY FLOURISHING TOGETHER
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.
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Virtual Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator Training (vAIFT)

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.

Segment 1: EXPERIENCING APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY

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.

Segment 2: UNDERSTANDING THE POWER OF APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY

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.

Segment 3: PLANNING AND DESIGNING AN APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY SESSION

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.

Segment 4: PRACTICING APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY APPLICATIONS

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
October 20, 2025
9:00am-11:00am (PDT)

TUESDAY
October 21, 2025
9:00am-11:00am (PDT)

WEDNESDAY
October 22, 2025 9:00am-11:00am (PDT)

THURSDAY
October 23, 2025
9:00am-11:00am (PDT)

WEEK 2:

MONDAY
October 27, 2025
9:00am-11:00am (PDT)

TUESDAY
October 28, 2025
9:00am-11:00am (PDT)

WEDNESDAY
October 29, 2025
9:00am-11:00am (PDT)

THURSDAY
October 30, 2025
9:00am-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.

Purchase Book
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.
SEE PAYMENT OPTIONS
VIEW REFUND POLICY
VIEW PRIVACY POLICY
SEE TERMS & CONDITIONS

Virtual Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator Training (vAIFT)

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.

Segment 1: EXPERIENCING APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY

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.

Segment 2: UNDERSTANDING THE POWER OF APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY

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.

Segment 3: PLANNING AND DESIGNING AN APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY SESSION

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.

Segment 4: PRACTICING APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY APPLICATIONS

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
August 4, 2025
9:00am-11:00am (PDT)

TUESDAY
August 5, 2025
9:00am-11:00am (PDT)

WEDNESDAY
August 6, 2025 9:00am-11:00 am (PDT)

THURSDAY
August 7, 2025
9:00am-11:00am (PDT)

WEEK 2:

MONDAY
August 11, 2025
9:00am-11:00am (PDT)

TUESDAY
August 12, 2025
9:00am-11:00am (PDT)

WEDNESDAY
August 13, 2025
9:00am-11:00am (PDT)

THURSDAY
August 14, 2025
9:00am-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.

Purchase Book
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.
SEE PAYMENT OPTIONS
VIEW REFUND POLICY
VIEW PRIVACY POLICY
SEE TERMS & CONDITIONS

Virtual Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator Training (vAIFT)

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.

Segment 1: EXPERIENCING APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY

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.

Segment 2: UNDERSTANDING THE POWER OF APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY

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.

Segment 3: PLANNING AND DESIGNING AN APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY SESSION

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.

Segment 4: PRACTICING APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY APPLICATIONS

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
May 12, 2025
9:00am-11:00am (PDT)

TUESDAY
May 13, 2025
9:00am-11:00am (PDT)

WEDNESDAY
May 14, 2025 9:00am-11:00 am (PDT)

THURSDAY
May 15, 2025
9:00am-11:00am (PDT)

WEEK 2:

MONDAY
May 19, 2025
9:00am-11:00am (PDT)

TUESDAY
May 20, 2025
9:00am-11:00am (PDT)

WEDNESDAY
May 21, 2025
9:00am-11:00am (PDT)

THURSDAY
May 22, 2025
9:00am-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.

Purchase Book
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.
SEE PAYMENT OPTIONS
VIEW REFUND POLICY
VIEW PRIVACY POLICY
SEE TERMS & CONDITIONS

Virtual Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator Training (vAIFT)

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.

Segment 1: EXPERIENCING APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY

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.

Segment 2: UNDERSTANDING THE POWER OF APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY

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.

Segment 3: PLANNING AND DESIGNING AN APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY SESSION

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.

Segment 4: PRACTICING APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY APPLICATIONS

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 3, 2025
9:00am-11:00am (PDT)

TUESDAY
March 4, 2025
9:00am-11:00am (PDT)

WEDNESDAY
March 5, 2025 9:00am-11:00 am (PDT)

THURSDAY
March 6, 2025
9:00am-11:00am (PDT)

WEEK 2:

MONDAY
March 10, 2025
9:00am-11:00am (PDT)

TUESDAY
March 11, 2025
9:00am-11:00am (PDT)

WEDNESDAY
March 12, 2025
9:00am-11:00am (PDT)

THURSDAY
March 13, 2025
9:00am-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.

Purchase Book
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.
SEE PAYMENT OPTIONS
VIEW REFUND POLICY
VIEW PRIVACY POLICY
SEE TERMS & CONDITIONS

SOAR Design Workshop

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: Learning to SOAR and SOAR Design. Below are the dates and times for both workshops. Please note: Learning to SOAR is a pre-requisite for the SOAR Design workshop.

LEARNING TO SOAR Workshop

November 7-8, 2024

9am-12pm Pacific / 12pm-3pm Eastern

SOAR DESIGN Workshop

December 6, 2024

9am-12pm Pacific / 12pm-3pm Eastern

Pre-requisite: None

Pre-requisite: Learning 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

WORKSHOP TESTIMONIALS

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.

Book cover for: Learning to SOAR: Creating Strategy that Inspires Innovation and Engagement by Jacqueline Stavros and Gina Hinrichs.

Buy SOAR Book
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:

SOAR Logo consists of the acronym SOAR with the words Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations, and Results written underneath.

Logo for Appreciative Inquiries, LLC.

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.

SEE PAYMENT OPTIONS
VIEW REFUND POLICY
VIEW PRIVACY POLICY
SEE TERMS & CONDITIONS

Learning to SOAR: Creating Strategies & Strategic Plans That Invite Innovation and Engagement

DEVELOP STRATEGY & ENGAGEMENT USING 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.

SOAR Framework stands for: Strengths - what are we best at? Opportunities: what are the possibilities? Aspirations: what are our dreams and wishes? and Results: what are meaningful and measurable results?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: Learning to SOAR and SOAR Design. Below are the dates and times for both workshops. Please note: Learning to SOAR is a pre-requisite for the SOAR Design Workshop.

LEARNING TO SOAR Workshop

November 7-8, 2024

9am-12pm Pacific / 12pm-3pm Eastern

SOAR DESIGN Workshop

December 6, 2024

9am-12pm Pacific / 12pm-3pm Eastern

Pre-requisite: None

Pre-requisite: Learning to SOAR

LEARNING 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

LEARNING TO SOAR WORKSHOP CONTENT:

Learning 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.

MODULE 1: Strategic Thinking

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.
MODULE 2: Learn 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.
MODULE 3: Strategic Applications 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.
MODULE 4: Strategic Planning - SOAR with the Appreciative Inquiry 5-D Cycle

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.
BONUS MODULE: SOAR into your Potential with Purpose

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.
WORKSHOP TESTIMONIALS

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.

Book cover for: Learning to SOAR: Creating Strategy that Inspires Innovation and Engagement by Jacqueline Stavros and Gina Hinrichs.

Buy SOAR Book
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:

SOAR Logo consists of the acronym SOAR with the words Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations, and Results written underneath.

Logo for Appreciative Inquiries, LLC.

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.

SEE PAYMENT OPTIONS
VIEW REFUND POLICY
VIEW PRIVACY POLICY
SEE TERMS & CONDITIONS

Activating Citizen-Driven Communities with Appreciative Inquiry

SUPPORT COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT WITH APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY

Appreciative Inquiry (AI) is a highly effective change model that supports community development efforts by inviting community members to engage in meaningful discussions that identify strengths, create shared visions, develop strategies, and inspire action for change.

AI’s inclusive design builds collective capacity by pooling the community’s knowledge, experience, and strengths in generating new opportunities. Through the art of positive inquiry, community members come together in a collaborative search for strengths, passions, values, and actions which facilitates citizen-driven actions and change. Drawing on these strengths, AI empowers communities and its citizens to chart a path to turn their vision into reality.

“The interactive activities and thought-provoking discussions encourage participants to think critically and apply concepts in practical scenarios. Her success in achieving valuable insights from participants is undoubtedly attributed to her approach, passion, and knowledge.” – Anna Pijaca (Research and Engagement Manager | City Experience and Engagement, Local Council).

Learn how Appreciative Inquiry can renew energy and hope and inspire action in communities you belong to, work with, and serve.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

After completing Activating Citizen-Driven Communities with Appreciative Inquiry, you will be better able to:

  • Understand how Appreciative Inquiry (AI) and strengths/asset-based approaches can be applied to community development work.
  • Confidently question and challenge deficit-based community development practice and introduce strengths-based, Appreciative Inquiry approaches to foster citizen driven communities.
  • Identify and appreciate assets and strengths and elicit positive stories to discover what strong in our communities.
  • Formulate and ask powerful, positive, and generative questions.
  • Intentionally seek new ways of understanding, defining, labelling, and interacting with people and groups we work with.
  • Apply AI tools and practices for community conversations, engagement, and planning.
  • Positively impact their organization by introducing concepts and practices that enhance the capacity of staff to work more effectively with communities.

EVENT DATES AND TIMES:


SESSION 1

SESSION 2

SESSION 3

SESSION 4

Western Hemisphere

Monday

June 17, 2024

5:30pm-8:00pm PDT

8:30pm-11:00pm EDT

Monday

June 24, 2024

5:30pm-8:00pm PDT

8:30pm-11:00pm EDT

Monday

July 1, 2024

5:30pm-8:00pm PDT

8:30pm-11:00pm EDT

Monday

July 8, 2024

5:30pm-8:00pm PDT

8:30pm-11:00pm EDT

Eastern Hemisphere

Tuesday

June 18, 2024

8:30am-11:00am HKT

10:30am-1:00pm AEST

Tuesday

June 25, 2024

8:30am-11:00am HKT

10:30am-1:00pm AEST

Tuesday

July 2, 2024

8:30am-11:00am HKT

10:30am-1:00pm AEST

Tuesday

July 9, 2024

8:30am-11:00am HKT

10:30am-1:00pm AEST

TRAINING SESSIONS:

This course consists of four (4) virtual sessions that will provide key insights, learnings, and tools that you can apply in your community development work. Click the title of each session below to display the topics that will be covered during that session.

SESSION 1: Embracing an Appreciative Approach to Community Development

TOPICS COVERED DURING THIS SESSION:

  • An Appreciative approach to community development.
  • The Paradigm Shift: Traditional/Deficit approach Vs. Appreciative/Asset Based Community Development approach.
  • AI principles – Guiding our work with communities.
  • How we see our Communities (Psychological theories -The Pygmalion Effect, Heliotropic Effect in the Context of Working with Marginalised/Disenfranchised/Disadvantaged communities).
SESSION 2: Words Create Communities - How Our Words & Thoughts Shape Our Communities

TOPICS COVERED DURING THIS SESSION:

  • Flip the Script: Reframing Problems to Create Possibilities/Opportunities.
  • Words Create Communities – the Power of Language & Words in creating Thriving Communities.
  • Shifting Perceptions:
    • Challenging Negative/Derogatory labels.
    • Cultivating Stories and Successes.
SESSION 3: Igniting ‘Sparks’ & Activating Assets

TOPICS COVERED DURING THIS SESSION:

  • Discovering Strengths & Assets: Igniting Sparks in People & Communities.
  • Appreciative Inquiry Questions & Conversations: formulating and articulating generative and positive questions.
  • Soliciting Positive Stories and Finding Out What Works.
SESSION 4: Tools for Community Conversations & Change

TOPICS COVERED DURING THIS SESSION:

  • Community Consultations and Conversations: Applying an Appreciative Inquiry approach for Citizen-Centered outcomes.
  • AI 5D cycle for implementing community actions, plans, and change.
  • Open Space Technology: highly participatory, inclusive, and collaborative method for large group/community meetings.
  • Commitment Wall.

DESIGNED FOR:

This course is ideal for:

  • Community development, engagement, and consultation workers and practitioners.
  • Individuals that work with specific community groups (e.g., youth, family support, seniors).
  • Students and graduates interested in working in community.
  • Entrepreneurs and organizations interested in their social impact, creating a community footprint, and supporting their communities.
  • Anyone who volunteers, works with, or serves the community in some capacity to improve the development and capacity of communities.

PROGRAM OFFERED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:

WANT TO TRAIN A TEAM OR GROUP?

This course can be delivered for groups and organizations who wish to train a large number of individuals who wish to support their community development efforts with appreciative inquiry. Please complete the CONTACT US form to receive more information about hosting a private course for your group.

SEE PAYMENT OPTIONS
VIEW REFUND POLICY
VIEW PRIVACY POLICY
SEE TERMS & CONDITIONS

SOAR Design Workshop

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 the 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: Learning to SOAR and SOAR Design. Below are the dates and times for both workshops. Please note: Learning to SOAR is a pre-requisite for the SOAR Design workshop.

LEARNING TO SOAR Workshop

Thursday, April 18, 2024

9:00am-4:00pm Eastern Time

SOAR DESIGN Workshop

Friday, May 10, 2024

9am-12pm Eastern Time

Pre-requisite: None

Pre-requisite: Learning 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 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.

We used SOAR to work with our global team members. The results: strategic direction and strategies for growth. Learning to SOAR: Creating Strategy that Inspires Innovation and Engagement has the proven research and applications to easily make SOAR part of your strategic toolkit.
– Ron Reidy, Ph.D., Senior Advisor, Dell Technologies /Education Services

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 book is available in electronic or paperback versions. Please select the version that is in alignment with your learning style and preference.

Book cover for: Learning to SOAR: Creating Strategy that Inspires Innovation and Engagement by Jacqueline Stavros and Gina Hinrichs.

Buy SOAR Book
METHOD OF DELIVERY:

This program will be delivered using Zoom and will be using various Zoom features, including the Zoom annotation tool. To maximize your learning experience and engagement, please participate in this course on your computer (desktop or laptop). 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 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:

SOAR Logo consists of the acronym SOAR with the words Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations, and Results written underneath.

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 strategic and planning efforts. Please complete the CONTACT US form to receive more information about hosting a private course for your group.

SEE PAYMENT OPTIONS
VIEW REFUND POLICY
VIEW PRIVACY POLICY
SEE TERMS & CONDITIONS