Framework

Framework

At BRICS, we focus on creating strong partnerships between community based organizations and university scholars, ensuring that our research directly benefits the community.

We do this through a collaborative approach known as Community-Based Participatory Action Research (CBPAR). To enhance this collaboration, we also use a method called Appreciative Inquiry (AI, Cooperrider & Srivastva, 1987).

What is Appreciative Inquiry?

Appreciative Inquiry is a positive approach to working together that focuses on what’s already working well. Instead of starting with problems, AI starts by identifying the strengths and successes of a community. The idea is that by building on what’s already good, we can create even better outcomes. AI involves five simple steps: 

Define: We start by deciding what we want to focus on. What is important to the community?

Discover: We look for what’s already working well in the community. What are the strengths and successes we can build on? 

Dream: We imagine what the future could look like if we build on these strengths. What is the community’s vision for the future? 

Design: We work together to create a plan to turn these dreams into reality. How can we make this vision happen? 

Deliver: We implement the plan and ensure it continues to grow and benefit the community over time. How will we ensure our changes last and continue to help the community?

How we use Appreciative Inquiry

By incorporating Appreciative Inquiry into our work at BRICS, we make sure that our research is not only collaborative and respectful but also focused on creating positive, long-lasting change in the community. Specifically, we focus on the following principles of CBPAR through the lens of AI: 

Partnerships: We partner with community members in every stage of the research process. Using appreciative inquiry, we focus on what the community values and what’s already working well. 

Learning Together: Both researchers and community members learn from each other. We recognize and build on the strengths of everyone involved. 

Taking Action: Our research isn’t just about studying problems; it’s about creating solutions that work. 

Cultural Relevance: We design our research to ensure that our work is relevant and respectful of the community’s identity and values. 

Long-Term Impact: We aim to create lasting benefits for the community. Appreciative Inquiry helps us make sure that the positive changes we create together are sustainable and continue to grow.