| SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT |
Towards a Society for all Ages
International Year of Older Persons 1999
USE OF LOGO
Template For:
Appreciative Inquiry Process
Painting
Reflection
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Template for Appreciate Inquiry Process for
Connecting Generations
through Appreciative Conversation
Considerations for Event Designers
Those planning the event for their community may want to select a subject that
has current relevance for the community, even a subject that may be a source
of fragmentation within the community. Possible subjects may include
- Our desire for racial harmony
- Appreciating the diversity of our community
- The need for peace
- Proposed changes in our educational system
- The need for interfaith connection, etc
Notice that the questions are stated positively, not as problems.
The following questions can be adapted to support a conversation on any particular subject:
Sample Questions:
- "As you reflect on your life / career, can you tell me the story of a high-point, a time you felt most alive,
most impactful, most successful in terms of contribution to this school/ community."
- "What was it about you, that made it a high point?"
- "What do you value most about yourself?"
- "Thinking about your school's / community's contributions to building higher quality multiracial
and / or multicultural relationships, what have you done in this area that has made the biggest difference?"
- "What one thing are you most proud about?"
Regardless of how many questions there are, the first question should be a request for a positive story.
All questions should be directed towards positive outcomes and/ or expanded possibilities.
A Word About Listening:
One of the most often heard complaints among different segments of a society such as different generations is that they don't feel listened to. Listening openly and with close attention is a vital part of a powerful conversation. Before the conversation begins, those facilitating the event should remind all of the participants to make eye contact with one another, to allow their feelings of appreciation to appear on their faces, to listen without interrupting, and to feel free to ask follow-up questions to make sure they understand.
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