2009 World Appreciative Inquiry Conference

While a global economic crisis and continuing stories of violence dominate news headlines on a daily basis, you are probably well aware that something very positive is also happening in the world. We are on the verge of a global shift in which there is a renewal of hope and optimism. Some of us have already begun to see this shift, both in subtle and large ways. Everyday others are beginning to experience it as well. What is this movement? It is a ‘strengths revolution’ that is well complemented by Appreciative Inquiry and other strength-based positive change models of organizational change. While the seeds of this global revolution are very much taking root around the globe, all the possible fruits of a strength-based approach to change have not yet been fully realized. The driving question behind the conference is:

Can we find better ways to create the vibrant, peaceful, sustainable, and flourishing communities we all want?

The answer propelling us forward is:

YES WE CAN!

The fuel for these positive changes is:

Appreciative Inquiry and other Strength-Based Approaches

This world-class conference builds on and extends the recent advances in the science and practice of Appreciative Inquiry and other strength-based approaches to organizational change. While past AI conferences have had representation from around the world, the goal of this conference is to truly lift up the stories and lessons from projects all across the globe and to reflect the international face of the strength-based movement. With voices from the field representing every organizational sector and every corner of the globe, there will be no denying that he strengths revolution is here! Powerful cases form Nepal, Africa, the US, and countries around the world will illustrate the transcending application of AI to any change project. The conference aims at generating dialogue across people and institutions and engendering fresh thinking on the advancement in the application of appreciative science.

The conference intends to address challenging questions such as:

• How can Appreciative Inquiry and other strength-based approaches support the present day developmental challenges of the world?
• How can AI and other strength-based approaches contribute to bringing social justice, addressing equality and reducing gaps between rich and poor?
• How can we leverage the lessons about the transformative power of AI that have already been experienced in businesses and organizations to address the pressing environmental needs of our planet?
• How can we link the power of AI and other strength-based approaches to the most pressing issues of a global change agenda — from improving health and education to creating sustainable communities and deeper personal development?

Themes and exciting application areas to be featured include:

1. Health, Human Development and Education
2. Leadership and Coalition-Building for Peace, Justice and Good Governance
3. Business, Economic Empowerment and Social Entrepreneurship
4. Climate Change, Environmental Renewal and Sustainable Prosperity
5. Inclusive Rural and Community Development
6. Spirituality and Positive Change
7. New Applications and Advances in the Practices of AI and Other Strengths-based Approaches to Change

Who should participate?

This premier event is designed for anyone interested in exploring how to lead strength-based change in his or her own organization, community, region, business, or personal life. All are welcome including: planners, policy-makers, law-makers, managers, community leaders, teachers and professors, doctors, environmentalists, economists, lawyers, justice professionals, business leaders, development workers, researchers, corporate leaders, civic leaders, NGOs.

When and Where?

The conference will be held November 16-19, 2009 in Kathmandu Nepal at the Solatee Crown Plaza Hotel.

Many ways to participate!

In an effort to provide opportunities for all who are interested to participate in the 2009 World AI Conference, there will be a variety of ways you can connect with conference materials and participants. In addition to the face-to-face conference in Kathmandu, there will be opportunities to connect virtually into the exciting work unfolding in Nepal.

Call for Workshops & Stories of Innovation

Workshop Goals and Format: We are looking for workshops that are rich in example, interactive and engaging, and which illustrate the most innovative use of Appreciative Inquiry and strength based change approaches to meet the pressing needs of our communities, governments, civil society organizations, and businesses.

Three types of presentations will be showcased at the conference:

1. Live conference workshops of approximately 1.5 hours in length each – these workshops will be presented live in Kathmandu, Nepal during the conference. A summary of your session will also be available online for participants as well.
2. Online conference workshops – these sessions will be available only online and involve creating and posting a power-point summary of your work and/or other documents that you want to share about your work, a discussion area devoted to your topic and potentially a scheduled live chat open to all conference participants.
3. Poster Showcase - these sessions will involve creating a poster that summarizes a case, methodology or innovation in strength based approaches. These posters will hang around the conference venue to spark discussion, inquiry and exploration.

Review timeframe and process

The deadline for submissions is April 30, 2009. You will be notified by June 1, 2009 as to whether your workshop has been selected for inclusion at the conference. If you are selected, confirmation of your workshop description will be due to us by June 15, 2009. An international committee will review all proposals. Acceptance will be based on an evaluation of the potential of each workshop to advance the thinking and practice of strength-based innovation, change, or design within organizations, and your workshop’s fit with the overall conference agenda. Accepted workshops will be offered a 50% discount on registration for up to 3 presenters

How to submit

Please share the vision of your workshop with us by using our on-line easy submit form at:

http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/?p=WEB228S9JLRNUP

Please include the following in your proposal submission:

• Your name and contact information

• Your proposed workshop’s title

• Your preference for consideration as a live workshop in Nepal or an online workshop or a poster session

• The list of proposed presenters/facilitators for the workshop and a brief (3 sentence) bio for each.

• A brief description of the workshop, including how you see your workshop advancing the thinking and practice of strength-based work (350 words or less – approximately 1 page)

• The conference thematic area to which the workshop relates

Also, as part of our outreach searching for the best and most diverse work happening in the domain of strength-based organizational change, we would like you to answer the following question when you submit your proposal:

• Assuming anything imaginable is possible and you could suggest any three possible speakers and/or workshop presenters in the world—people you would love to see and interact with at the Conference—who would you name? What people? What companies or organizations? What possible topics or resources do they bring?

Further contact information:

If you have any questions about the workshops or submission process, please contact Lindsey Godwin, the conference Tri-Chair at l.godwin@moreheadstate.edu

For more information on the overall conference agenda and the exciting opportunities for co-sponsorship opportunities, please visit the conference website at www.2009worldaiconference.org or contact imaginenepal@wlink.com.np