Engagement Tools
Appreciative Inquiry
Appreciative inquiry suggests that human organising and change, at its best, is a relational process of inquiry, groundeed in affirmation and appreciation. The following beliefs about human nature and human organising are the foundation for Appreciative Inquiry:
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People individually and collectively have unique gifts, skills and contributions to bring to life
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Organisations are human and social systems, sources of unlimited relational capacity, created and lived in language
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The images we hold of the future are socially created and, once articulated, serve to guide individual and collective actions
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Through human communication (inquiry and dialogue) people can shift their attention and action away from problem analysis to lift up worthy ideals and prductive possibilities for the future
What you need
What you get
Positive action plans & improved processes
What is next
Positive movement is sparked by the search for what works now and by uncovering the root causes that make success possible.
Resources
Workshop specifications
Group size: 10- 40
Duration: 1 - 2h
Difficulty: Moderate
Format: In person, online & hybrid
Please share your engagement experience by submitting your story here - your insights inspire and enrich our community!
Community Listening Sessions
Community listening sessions are organized events or gatherings designed to provide a platform for community members to express their opinions, concerns, and suggestions on various issues. These sessions are typically facilitated by community leaders, organizations, government agencies, or other stakeholders interested in gathering input from the community. The primary goal of community listening sessions is to create an open and inclusive space for dialogue, allowing residents to share their perspectives on local issues, policies, projects, or any matter that affects the community. This process helps decision-makers and organizers gain a better understanding of the community's needs and priorities.Key features of community listening sessions may include:
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Open Dialogue: Participants are encouraged to speak freely and openly about their thoughts and experiences.
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Structured Facilitation: Sessions may be facilitated by trained individuals who guide the discussion, ensuring that it remains focused, respectful, and inclusive.
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Diverse Participation: Efforts are made to include a diverse range of community members to capture a broad spectrum of perspectives.
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Feedback Collection: Various methods, such as surveys, open mic sessions, or small group discussions, may be employed to collect feedback from participants.
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Actionable Insights: The information gathered is often used to inform decision-making processes, policy development, or the planning of community projects.
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Community listening sessions can cover a wide range of topics, including education, healthcare, public safety, urban planning, social services, and more. They are an essential tool for fostering community engagement, building trust between residents and decision-makers, and promoting a sense of shared responsibility for community well-being.
What you need
Flipcharts, pens and post-its
What you get
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Captured community insights and feedback.
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Identified concerns, priorities, or opportunities.
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Initial action points and ideas for improvement.
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Strengthened community engagement and relationships.
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Preliminary understanding of community needs and perspectives.
What is next
Data analysis, reporting, feedback sharing, action planning, implementation, continuous communication, evaluation, iterative engagement, documentation, adaptation
Workshop specifications
Group size: 20- 100
Duration: 1 - 8h
Difficulty: High
Format: In person
Please share your engagement experience by submitting your story here - your insights inspire and enrich our community!
Design Thinking Workshops
Design thinking workshops are a structured approach to problem-solving that encourages creativity and innovation. Design thinking
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connects the needs of people involved in the problem to researchers’/experts’ observations of the problem;
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focuses on creating innovative ways of looking at the problem;
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embraces visualization, storytelling, and experimentation through building and testing prototypes.
What you need
Group tables, markers, small pieces of paper for brainstorming, flip chart paper, white board/black board/wall surfaces for each group, material for prototyping (see above). Design thinking is dependent on a safe environment in which creativity and risk taking is allowed. Be aware that the most difficult aspect of this method is identifying good insights. The insights should explain the “why” or “how” of a system that is rooted in a specific context. These insights often come from personal experiences, stories, and engagement. In this way, insights are often a combination of prior knowledge, new data, and intuition, rather than data points.
What you get
A prototype of a product, service, strategy or concept that addresses a specific problem linked to explicit needs of stakeholders
What is next
Idea refinement & prototyping
Resources
Workshop specifications
Group size: 5 - 8
Duration: 2 - 4h
Difficulty: -
Format: In person
Please share your engagement experience by submitting your story here - your insights inspire and enrich our community!
Feedback Carousel
The purpose of the feedback carousel is to get a variety of different kinds of feedback from a large number of people in a relatively short period of time. The carousel has been found to be particularly effective for getting feedback on a plan for any future work.
What you need
Pens and paper, café type set-up for groups to get together for discussions
What you get
This model can be one of the learning strategies that provide opportunities for participants to work in teams, explore ideas by asking / expressing ideas and providing feedback.
What is next
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Iterative adjustments based on received feedback.
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Further testing and refinement of the project.
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Implementation of finalized changes.
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Continuous monitoring and feedback integration.
Resources
Workshop specifications
Group size: -
Duration: Days
Difficulty: High
Format: In person
Please share your engagement experience by submitting your story here - your insights inspire and enrich our community!
Future Backwards
"Future Backwards" is a technique or method used in scenario planning and strategic foresight. It involves imagining a future scenario and then working backward to identify the steps and conditions that would lead to that particular future. The goal is to explore possible paths, anticipate challenges, and understand the factors influencing the envisioned future. This approach helps organizations and individuals think critically about the present and make informed decisions by considering a range of potential futures.
What you need
Flipcharts, pens, post-its
What you get
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Visualized future scenarios.
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Identified key factors and events.
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Insights into potential challenges and opportunities.
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Collaboratively generated ideas and perspectives.
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Preliminary understanding of the pathway to envisioned futures.
What is next
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Analysis: Deeper examination of insights and identified factors.
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Strategy Development: Formulation of strategies based on the envisioned pathways.
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Scenario Refinement: Further refinement of future scenarios based on feedback.
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Action Planning: Development of actionable plans and initiatives.
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Implementation: Execution of plans aligned with the strategic direction.
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Monitoring and Adaptation: Continuous monitoring, evaluation, and adaptation to changing circumstances.
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Communication: Sharing outcomes and strategies with stakeholders.
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Feedback Loop: Establishing a feedback loop for ongoing adjustments and improvements.
Resources
Workshop specifications
Group size: 5 -8
Duration: 2 - 8h
Difficulty: Moderate
Format: In person
Please share your engagement experience by submitting your story here - your insights inspire and enrich our community!
Multi-day Innovation Lab
Sometimes known as social innovation labs, learning labs or change labs, these areparticipatory processes that combine design thinking, group process, dialogic learningand prototyping to create new solutions to complex problems. Innovation labs differfrom research projects in that they build alearning and innovation capacity among thestakeholders and invite diverse approaches to problems and issues.
What you need
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Blank flip chart paper
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Agenda flip chart
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Innovation Lab flow flip chart
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Centre items and talking pieces
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Sticky notes andpens
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Learning Dialogues handout (one per person)
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Index cards
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Laptop/projector/screen/ speakers/wifi if using the Theory U video
What you get
An increase in the capacity in your community or organization for facing and addressing complex challenges with fresh eyes and approaches, while building capacity and skills to work with complexity and uncertainty.
What is next
Share the timeline moving forward (e.g. next call day and time, webinar day and time etc.) next steps, and any other logistics. Invite a check-out round to tap into the energy (e.g. what’s inspiring you as you leave the room and move forward with the Innovation Lab?)
Resources
Workshop specifications
Group size: 10 -30
Duration: 3h
Difficulty: Moderate
Format: In person
Please share your engagement experience by submitting your story here - your insights inspire and enrich our community!
Open Space Technology
The goal of an Open Space Technology meeting is to create time and space for people to engage deeply and creatively around issues of concern to them. The agenda is set by people with the power and desire to see it through, and typically, Open Space meetings result in transformative experiences for the individuals and groups involved. It is a simple and powerful way to catalyze effective working conversations and truly invite organizations to thrive in times of swirling change.
What you need
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Circle of chairs for participants
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Letters or numbers around the room to indicate meeting locations
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A blank wall that will become the agenda
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A news wall for recording and posting the results of the dialogue sessions
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Breaktout spaces for meetings
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Paper on which to write session topics / questions
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Posters of the Principles, Law of Two Feet and Roles (optional)
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Materials for Harvest
What you get
A set of topics owned by the participants and a definition of next steps defined by the group which follow the Open Space Technology exercise.
What is next
Taking action on harvested topics
Resources
Workshop specifications
Group size: -
Duration: -
Difficulty: Low
Format: In person & online
Please share your engagement experience by submitting your story here - your insights inspire and enrich our community!
Open Table
The Open Table complements other forms of engagement such as the Science Kitchen format. The focus of the Open Table by the WA lies on policy engagement, which is naturally not exclusively focused on political actors. The objective is to place the WA as a competent facilitator on stage, as well as creating policy leverage, while applying its innovative, open-minded, and engaging approach to policy dialogue.
The Open Table format aims to involve various WA units and offers horizontal and vertical knowledge exchange on pressing (policy) issues for nature, people, and justice. it should allow for honest, critical, and controversial discussions among various stakeholders and as a place where interesting discourses are created. In this way, we strive to create a solution-oriented exchange with various actors, which should stimulate further thinking (and possible action).
What you need
Informal atmosphere to build trust, name tags, food and drinks, logistical support, agenda
What you get
Rich conversations, new connections
What is next
Following up on the connections made; exchanging about the topic bilaterally
Workshop specifications
Group size: 20 - 30
Duration: app. 4h
Difficulty: Low
Format: In person
Please share your engagement experience by submitting your story here - your insights inspire and enrich our community!
Pop-Up Consultation
The format of the pop-up consultations is spontaneous and informal, and participants are actively engaged in impromptu discussions. The idea is to provide quick and accessible opportunities for consultation, feedback, or engagement in a manner that is flexible and convenient.
What you need
Paper and pens, flipcharts
What you get
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Quick and spontaneous feedback.
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Immediate insights from participants.
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Informal engagement and discussions.
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Identified concerns or suggestions.
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Preliminary ideas for improvement.
What is next
Results of what was heard during the pop-up consultations can be disseminated through social media, e-mail and internal communication tools.
Resources
Workshop specifications
Group size: 5 - 20
Duration: -
Difficulty: Low
Format: In person
Please share your engagement experience by submitting your story here - your insights inspire and enrich our community!
Pro-Action Café
The Pro Action Café creates a space for creative and action-oriented conversation. Participants are invited to dive into meaningful, small group coaching type conversation focussed on a different project, idea or question at each table. The ideas for each table are put forward by individual participants who need help to manifest some work or action.
What you need
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Small tables that seat 4 people, spread around a room and set up so that everyone can see and hear the front of the room where the flip charts or projector screen is located; Try to create a "café" feel to invitite connection.
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Table cloth
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A bit of decoration
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Tables arranged for an informal cafe.
What you get
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Evoke and make visible the collective intelligence of any group, thus increasing people’s capacity for effective action in pursuit of good work.
What is next
Continue working on one's projects including the new wisdom collected.
Resources
Workshop specifications
Group size: - *
Duration: 2.5 - 3h
Difficulty: Moderate
Format: In person & online
Please share your engagement experience by submitting your story here - your insights inspire and enrich our community!
Rapid Ideation
Rapid ideation refers to the process of quickly generating a large number of ideas, typically in a short period. The goal is to encourage creative thinking, explore various possibilities, and generate innovative solutions to a problem or challenge. This approach is commonly used in brainstorming sessions, workshops, or design thinking processes where quick idea generation is crucial.
What you need
Paper and pens, flipcharts or Mural/Miro when done online
What you get
Collection of generated ideas or concepts related to the specific problem or challenge being addressed.
What is next
Continue working on the ideas that have been voted on.
Resources
Workshop specifications
Group size: Any
Duration: 0.5 - 2h
Difficulty: Low
Format: In person & online
Please share your engagement experience by submitting your story here - your insights inspire and enrich our community!
Science Kitchen
A Science Kitchen can connect people from different contexts and can be carried out in one singular or several locations in small rounds. Art, science and entrepreneurship can be connected both digitally and through their senses.
What you need
A big enough space to host a group of approx. 20 people for a joint meal. Either cooking facilities and equipment will be provided or an event kitchen needs to be booked.
What you get
A Science Kitchen can connect people from different contexts and can be carried out in one singular or several locations in small rounds. Art, science and entrepreneurship can be connected both digitally and through their senses.
What is next
Following up on the connections made; exchanging about the topic bilaterally
Workshop specifications
Group size: 20 - 30
Duration: 4h
Difficulty: Moderate
Format: In person
Please share your engagement experience by submitting your story here - your insights inspire and enrich our community!
Storytelling Circles
Storytelling circles refer to a narrative or storytelling technique where individuals come together in a group, typically seated in a circle, to share and listen to stories. This approach is often used in various contexts, such as community building, education, team building, and therapeutic settings. Storytelling circles create a supportive environment where participants can express themselves, learn from each other, and build connections through shared narratives.
What you need
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Enough space so that people can hear each other without yelling and there isn’t too much sound-bleed from the next circle
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Ideally several rooms
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Facilitator
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Recorders
What you get
As each person in turn shares a story, a richer and more complex story emerges. By the end, people see both real differences and things their stories have in common. A Story Circle is a journey into its theme, with multiple dimensions, twists, and turns.
What is next
Building shared power and moving to action after hearing themes from the stories and building relationships between individuals.
Resources
Workshop specifications
Group size: 4 - 10
Duration: 1.5h
Difficulty: Low
Format: In person & online
Please share your engagement experience by submitting your story here - your insights inspire and enrich our community!
Systems Mapping
Systems mapping, also known as system mapping or system diagramming, is a visual representation or graphical tool used to illustrate the components and interactions within a complex system. The goal of systems mapping is to provide a clear and comprehensive overview of the relationships and dynamics within a system, making it easier to understand, analyze, and communicate about that system.
What you need
Data resources, Software tools to visualize, individuals with expertise in systems thinking, analysis, and visualization to participate in the mapping process, flip charts, pens and post-its if done physically.
What you get
A science-based visual tool showing an exploration of the system, communicating understanding, and allowing for the identification of knowledge gaps, intervention points, and insights.
What is next
Knowledge management process based on the system map. It is aimed to improve the structure and understanding of the knowledge developed throughout the system mapping process. Knowledge management depends on the capacity and willingness of the audience to absorb, exchange and internalise information. Two stages are proposed to enable a pluralistic understanding: (1) harvesting and documentation and (2) conceptualisation and analysis.
Resources
Workshop specifications
Group size: 3 - 10
Duration: -
Difficulty: Moderate
Format: In person & online
Please share your engagement experience by submitting your story here - your insights inspire and enrich our community!
Theory U Deep Dive
Theory U is a framework for understanding and leading profound change. It was developed by Otto Scharmer, a senior lecturer at MIT Sloan School of Management, and it is outlined in his book "Theory U: Leading from the Future as It Emerges." The theory is deeply rooted in systems thinking, mindfulness, and collective intelligence. It provides a guide for individuals and organizations to approach transformative change and innovation.
What you need
Dedicated facilitator, participants committed to open-minded exploration, a safe space for dialogue, and structured activities for reflection and action.
What you get
Deeper insights, innovative solutions, enhanced collaboration, and transformative actions aligned with a shared purpose.
What is next
Implementation of insights, actions, and ongoing reflection and adaptation typically follow to sustain the transformative outcomes.
Resources
Workshop specifications
Group size: Any
Duration: Days to Months
Difficulty: High
Format: In person & online
Please share your engagement experience by submitting your story here - your insights inspire and enrich our community!
Town Hall Meetings
A Town Hall Meeting, also referred to as an All Hands Meeting, is a gathering initiated by the leadership in a corporate context for all employees. It is a widely used tool for cross-functional internal communication. Depending on the size and structure of the company, such a meeting may occur annually, semi-annually, or quarterly.
Town Hall Meetings are designed to provide immediate answers to participants' questions. Ideally, the workforce directly receives information from the executives regarding their concerns. Conversely, the management receives unfiltered feedback from all levels of the organization.
What you need
Designated time slot, agenda, communication to all participants, a suitable meeting space or virtual platform, and relevant materials or presentations.
What you get
Improved communication, alignment, and unity among participants.
What is next
Actions and follow-up discussions typically occur to address any decisions made or issues raised during the meeting.
Resources
Workshop specifications
Group size: -
Duration: 1 - 2h
Difficulty: Low
Format: In person & online
Please share your engagement experience by submitting your story here - your insights inspire and enrich our community!
World Café
The World Café is a method for creating a living network of collaborative dialogue around questions that matter in real life situations. It is a provocative effect,World Café. (From World Café Resource Guide). moving among ‘table conversations’ at the organizations, and our communities, we are, in metaphor...as we create our lives, our organizations, and our communities, we arer, in effect, moving among "table conversations" at the World Café. (From World Café Resource Guide).
What you need
Participants, small tables or discussion groups, flip charts or paper for note-taking, and a central question or theme for discussion.
What you get
Collective insights, diverse perspectives, deeper understanding of the topic, and potential solutions or actions generated through collaborative dialogue.
What is next
Capturing key themes, identifying actionable next steps, and potentially implementing solutions or further exploring the topic through additional discussions or activities.
Resources & additional Information
Workshop specifications
Group size: Any
Duration: 2.5 - 3h
Difficulty: Low
Format: In person, online & hybrid
Please share your engagement experience by submitting your story here - your insights inspire and enrich our community!
Wyss Academy Dialogues
The Wyss Academy Dialogue for Purpose serves as an inclusive and dynamic engagement platform that convenes a diverse array of actors and stakeholders from various backgrounds, contexts, experiences, and perspectives, including marginalized and underrepresented voices, to engage in a robust exchange of knowledge, experience, and insights pertaining to a specific topic (e.g., the True Value of the Forest). This forum provides a platform for participants to share their unique experiences and perspectives, fostering a deeper understanding of the topic and promoting collaboration toward addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by the topic.
The WA Dialogue for Purpose employs a systematic and strategic approach to dialogue to enhance the knowledge base and facilitate its practical application, drawing upon a range of knowledge and practices from the various participants. Through catalyzing informed discussions and fostering collaboration among participants, the WA Dialogue for Purpose aims to promote the innovative co-creation of ideas, approaches, and solutions informed by the collective knowledge and perspectives of the diverse group of individuals and stakeholders participating in the forum. This focus on co-creation is intended to ensure that the knowledge and practices shared and developed are relevant, applicable, and effective in different local contexts where the WA Dialogue for Purpose will be conveyed, ultimately leading to sustainable and equitable outcomes.
What you need
Topic & participants
What you get
A gathering where scientists, indigenous leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, economists, and passionate individuals from varied backgrounds unite. The WAD serve as a platform for this diverse community to shape local and global agendas, fostering learning and action to a pre-defined topic. With this collective wisdom, we ignite discussions that cultivate fresh ideas and initiatives, ready to be tested in real-world contexts.
What is next
After the regional WADs, the Global Dialogue is taking place. The goal thereafter is to test the insights from the dialogues and synthesis in the regional contexts.
Workshop specifications
Group size: Regional Dialogues (30-40)
Duration: Regional Dialogues: 2 - 3 days, Global Dialogue: 2 - 3.5 days
Difficulty: Complex
Format: In person & online
Please share your engagement experience by submitting your story here - your insights inspire and enrich our community!
Wyss Academy Symposium
"A Symposium should allow for an academic discussion and deepening of the role of knowledge as a driver for reconfiguring our relationship with nature and people. The format should help us to gain a deeper understanding of how the role of knowledge is subject to transformation, and must adapt to promote the pathways.
Facilitate a dialogue between and among representatives from different knowledge systems to gain a deeper understanding for what kind of knowledge effectively drives just transformation and in view of bridging the knowledge-action gap."
What you get
A dialogue between and among representatives from different knowledge systems to gain a deeper understanding for what kind of knowledge effectively drives just transformation and in view of bridging the knowledge-action gap
Workshop specifications
Group size: -
Duration: 1 d
Difficulty: Moderate
Format: In person & online
Please share your engagement experience by submitting your story here - your insights inspire and enrich our community!