Appreciative Inquiry (AI) is build on a "Constructionist Principle" that says "social knowledge and organizational destiny are interwoven"

"AI is based on the simple assumption that every organization has something that works well, and those strengths can be the starting point for creating positive change" 

AI will help us focus on what we are doing well and to strengthen it while simultaneously making us responsible for identifying and building from the strengths of people and communities with whom we work.

We will focus on finding what is right within communities and alter our  strategies and programming to build on what is right within each.

Narrative or storytelling is a platform for voice, dynamic expression, and illustration of humanity.

Ensuring our data is not only quantitative but also have a rigorous qualitative approach is important.

Narrative research is a complex and evolving way of capturing, analyzing, and sharing data that emphasizes the living, human, and evolving nature of narrative.

Three forms:

• recounting past events

• explore stories (photovoice)

• jointly constructed narratives

Empowerment evaluation is a culturally relevant evaluation practice that includes the community, makes data pertinent, and makes data usable to ensure ongoing and systematic growth and repair within an organization. 

Three steps:

• working on a mission

• "taking stock" of current practices

• planning for the future

10 Essential Principles:

• improvement

• community ownership

• inclusion

• democratic participation

• social justice

• community knowledge

• evidence-based strategies

• capacity building

• organizational learning

• accountability