What Is Appreciative Inquiry?

“...ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” This

I hope to speak to both an academic and practitioner audience. For example, I co-authored a chapter in the book Developing Leaders for Positive Organizing (to be published later this month) that discusses the role of care in scaling social enterprise organizations, based on the data from the environmental social enterprise that I’m studying. This book is meant for not only to academics but also practitioners who are searching for ways to have a positive impact on their organizations and beyond. Thus, I hope that my research will provide an example of the ways in which caring can be incorporated into effective business models and add value not only to the work life of employees but also to the

As most of us become conscious of the effects of homelessness, the mental disorders and the increased need for welfare, we start to recognize how important the issue is. When educated, we are extremely capable of coming together as a nation. We know what it is to advocate, to fight for what we believe in. That is how this country came to be, isn't it? With an mighty passion for building a better life for our children?

Jordan was forcefully optimistic that social change is possible, and this optimism set the tone for her speech. It remains a speech that is strikingly relevant to the political problems confronting us today. We are all aware that partisan gridlock and dysfunction define the day-to-day political process in today’s Washington. Cynicism and lack of confidence in government are at record levels. Liberals might blame a Republican Party that seems doggedly unwilling to work with President Obama on a host of issues; conservatives might blame the President and other Democrats for pursuing a liberal policy agenda with which they can find no area for compromise. This ideological stalemate seems to have no end in sight, and it feeds a widespread cynicism about the political process itself.

“Ask not what your country can do for you--ask what you can do for your country."

As I am watching the speech for the very first time, multiple thoughts are coming to my head. Here is our President –Elect presenting this speech to us about how much he is going to help change our county for the better. The beginning first words of his

We want to transform our society so that each each person can be their own agent of change around what they feel important, and shift away from the idea that somehow a voting box every four years will solve our problems

Growing up in an immigrant community exposed me to the issues and mindsets of people I will be tasked with engaging. I know firsthand how sunny day flooding affects a mother’s commute from work to her child’s school, the determination of young activists who want to tackle economic and environmental issues simultaneously, and the excitement of engaged voters discovering new ways get involved. My experiences alongside these communities will help me find the most relevant issues and craft the right campaigns to elevate Chispa, LCV, and activists who have yet to find an amplifier for their voice.

“ Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country. “ These are the famous words said by JFK in his inaugural address. These words have power, they give you a feeling of humbleness. This is pathos, It gives you almost a saddening feeling. It makes you feel like you expect a lot, but also makes you want to give.

argue and fight on how to improve the lives of fellow Americans. During this discourse, of

The Center For American Progress is an existing group that was developed to help improve the lives of Americans through evolving positive ideas and actions (CAP, par. 1). This nonpartisan organization focuses on the development of the new generations and the importance of an effective government (About CAP, par. 2). Through progressive ideas and actions like Civil Liberties, Early Childhood, Health Care, LGBT, Poverty, tax Reform and many more, the Center For American Progress aims “not just to change the conversation, but to change the country” (About CAP, par. 1). By provoking media outlets to share with people the news that really matters, CAP has shown a clear view in the shaping of America 's national policy debate (About CAP, par. 3).

It is a melancholy object to those who walk through this great country when they see posters, flyers, and billboards of problems that the United States have yet to fully get a lid on. The problems at hand range between different scales, but from what I have seen this very small idea of mine can do so much good. Various issues could improve or be resolved from my proposal; Getting Locked Out, Robberies, Forgetting Identification, Driving Under the Influence, Identity Theft, Kidnapping, and finally Overpopulation. The “big picture” is we, as a country, desperately need to get our shit together. We seriously need to make America a better place and I believe it should start from local areas and branch out to the rest of the states.

Bono presents his speech “Because We Can, We Must” to the graduating class of 2004, to inspire change. And to say how this is the generation that can make a change before history looks down upon it. Bono gets his point of change across by the use of repetition and imagery within his speech.

“And so my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you- ask what you can do for your Country’’- John F Kennedy

My approach is to provide readers of this book with practical and emotional clarity and direction; to look outside the box and beyond what you know to empower what you see possible, allowing you to take a leap of faith and create the change you want.