Great Opportunity

[Joan + Michael Hoxsey]

We hope some of you or your colleagues will be able to take advantage of this great chance to learn about AI, VIA and the intersection with the six conversation.
J&M Hoxsey

Appreciative Inquiry Consulting presents Community Conversations™
October 14: Character Strengths and Virtues (VIA) - Blending the
Practice of AI and Positive Psychology with Neal and Donna Mayerson
"Character" has become front and center topic in contemporary discourse, but this term does not have a fixed meaning. Is character something everyone has? Is character always positive? How does looking for character strengths further the practice of AI? What does the Values in Action (VIA) strengths assessment offer to AI practitioners? Neal and Donna Mayerson, (Mayerson Foundation, Cincinnati Ohio), both clinical psychologists, underwrote the cost of the "Character Strengths and Virtues" handbook research done and written about by Martin Seligman and Christopher Peterson as well as the Values in Action (VIA) Strengths Assessment. Having met David Cooperrider in the last year their interest now includes a focus on how the VIA and Appreciative Inquiry can strengthen organizational as well as personal development. This opportunity to spend time with the Mayersons will afford AIC members and others the chance to dialogue not only about the vital questions mentioned above but to learn the practical, down to earth practices that can make the VIA an integral and important part of any strengths based process.

October 15: COMMUNITY (The Structure of Belonging) with Peter Block
We are offering a special invitation to Appreciative Inquiry practitioners to explore and learn about the six conversations shown to engage and build community with Peter Block.
Building the Social Fabric of Our Communities The various sectors of our communities-businesses, schools, social service organizations, churches, government-are too often at odds with each other and exist in their own worlds. As do so many individual citizens who long for
connection, but end up marginalized, their gifts overlooked, their potential contributions lost. This disconnection and detachment makes it hard, if not impossible, to envision a common future, one that is distinct from the past.
The Methodology of Communal Transformation
What Block provides in this inspiring new book is an exploration of the exact way community transformation occurs. It is through the power of the small group, a shift in the way we gather, the creation of a new conversation and rethinking the role of leadership. It is about a shift from a focus on problems to possibilities and deficiencies to gifts. The book is also written in a way that makes the ideas and practices very accessible. At its core, the book offers a way of thinking about our places that creates an opening for authentic communities to exist and details what each of us can do to make that happen.
October 14:
10:00am-4:30pm
October 15: 8:00am-4:00pm
Vernon Manor Hotel 400 Oak Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45219
800-543-3999
(Mention "AIC" when making your reservation to receive the discounted rate of $99 per night.)
PRICING
October 14th ONLY Early Bird: $159 Regular: $189 AIC rate $145
October 15th ONLY Early Bird: $209 Regular: $239 AIC rate $190
BOTH Days Early Bird: $329 Regular: $379 AIC rate $295
8/1/08-9/10/08
Normal Registration (Register at AIConsulting.org/community
9/11/08-10/6/08 *early bird discount is available through Sept. 1

** AIC Members receive reduced pricing www.AIConsulting.org/community (AIC price extended to ASG and other Peter Block groups or Mayerson groups, please indicate your affiliation on registering

[John Burik]

Friends,

I just noticed your event, a year late! Hope it went wonderfully. While I remain at the hospital doing clinical work three days per week, I am adding positive psychology coaching to my repertoire. One thing I've been suggesting folks do is take the Signature Strengths questionnaire, then use a strength in a new way. I'm also enjoying Alex Linley's Average to A+.

Best,

John