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Inclusive Engagement Techniques and Approaches

Appreciative Inquiry

What is it?

Appreciative inquiry is a positive approach to decision-making that leverages strengths instead of weaknesses to collect public input. This approach can be used to foster imagination and shared visioning to create positive change.

When to use it

Appreciative inquiry can be implemented in established groups of participants that know the project well, such as project-specific groups, to facilitate ideas for improvements. It has four phases: Inquire, Imagine, Innovate and Implement.

How to do it

Conducting appreciative inquiry may occur over several days, such as over the course of a series of project-specific group meetings. Each phase may take at least two hours to complete.

Prior to conducting the four phases of appreciative inquiry, organize the room in a way conducive to open conversation such as using round tables or arranging chairs into a circle.

1Inquire: Appreciate What Is

In this phase, discuss the project topic and aspects of it that are the most cherished or successful. Determine why those components were successful to later capitalize on them.

Example: The City establishes a working group to provide input on how to enhance urban green spaces. Questions that staff ask the working group for this phase of inquiry might include:

  • "Can you share a positive experience you’ve had in one of the city's parks?"
  • "What features of our green spaces do you most enjoy?"

The information gathered during this phase might reveal that certain parks are beloved because of their scenic beauty, while others are valued for their community programs or play infrastructure.

2Imagine: Imagine What Might Be

The Imagine phase capitalizes on the strengths identified in the Inquire phase to suggest key project components or improvements.

Example: City staff encourage working group members to imagine their ideal park or green space. Questions might include:

  • "What would an ideal green space look like in your neighborhood?"
  • "What new features or activities would enhance your experience of these spaces?"

This phase might lead to ideas like implementing seasonal native plantings, establishing year-round youth and adult community programming or building shade structures for use on hot days.

3Innovate: Determine What Should Be

The Innovate phase sets a strategic vision for the future based on the suggestions that surfaced in the Imagine phase.

Example: The working group envisions:

  • Beautiful and inclusive green spaces that strengthen the community and encourage time spent outside, leading to increased economic development and tourism.
  • Programming and infrastructure that provides opportunities for activity in all seasons.

4Implement: Create What Could Be

The Implementation phase sets a timeline and roles to support the goals set in previous phases.

Example: The working group suggests that the City release a request for proposals for contractors to begin transforming the existing green spaces according to their vision within the next five years.

Resource considerations

Cost: Minimal

Appreciative inquiry is a free approach that can be used in various engagement event settings without additional costs.

Time: Moderate to High

Planning for this approach may take at least a few weeks. Implementing this approach can take anywhere from eight hours to a few months.

Capacity: Minimal to Moderate

A few staff can plan and host the meeting(s), depending on how many participants are involved and how detailed the desired input is.

How to make it more inclusive

  • Having small groups discuss at each phase and later share out ideas with the larger group may encourage participation from people less comfortable speaking in front of others.
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