Appreciative Inquiry (AI) is an exciting philosophy for change that was created by Professor David Cooperrider and his associates at Case Western Reserve University. The United Religions Initiative has used Appreciative Inquiry interviews at its gatherings since 1996 to help create relationships which are at the heart of the URI’s growth and appeal.
At the June 27, 2015 celebration of the 70th anniversary of the United Nations, which took place concurrently with the 15th anniversary celebration of URI's charter signing, URI Co-Director of Global Programs & Organizational Development Sally Mahé led an Appreciative Inquiry session for the crowd gathered at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco, California, USA.
Audience members were encouraged to engage in Appreciative Inquiry discussions with the people around them to better connect and understand each other and the paths that led them to this shared moment.
Watch the full video of Sally's introduction and explanation:
When the Appreciative Interviews were concluded, participants were invited to take an "ussie" (like a "selfie" photo, but with two faces) and share them with the larger community. The following are some of the photos sent in after the activity.