Appreciative inquiry: a method for measuring the impact of a project on the well-being of an Indigenous community
Leeann Murphy, South Metropolitan Public Health Unit, Western Australia
Penny Kordyl, Cultural and Community Services, City of Fremantle, Western Australia
Marie Thorne, Indigenous elder, Fremantle

Abstract

Issue addressed:
This paper outlines the evaluation of the Indigenous Youth Arts and Culture Project using appreciative inquiry, an assets-based community development process that enhances positive potential in people and communities.

Methods:
Twenty project participants, including six young people, seven family members and seven service providers, participated in a one-day appreciative inquiry workshop consisting of four phases: discover, dream, design and deliver. Appreciative inquiry is an empowering process that enables participants to collectively identify the very best of "what is" and allow for imagination and creativity to flow to determine "what should be".

Results and Conclusion:
Using an appreciative inquiry approach to evaluate this project engaged participants and allowed them to identify project, personal and community strengths, assets and aspirations to design a way forward for the project and community. Appreciative inquiry added value to and consolidated the positive impact of the project on the well-being of the community. If sustained, the outcomes of the workshop could have a significant impact on the health and well-being of the individuals, families and community involved.

Keywords:
Appreciative inquiry, evaluation, Indigenous, youth, assets-based community development



Health Promotion Journal of Australia 2004;15:211-14