Appreciative Approach Awards
Positive change brought about by the Appreciative Inquiry method is something that can be achieved by any organization. Appreciative Approach Awards are designed to provide support – both financial and technical – for any group within the UVA Health System interested in undertaking a positive revolution.
(For a concise yet thorough overview of Appreciative Inquiry, we recommend The Power of Appreciative Inquiry: A Practical Guide to Positive Change by Diana Whitney & Amanda Trosten-Bloom.)
Scope: Applicants will apply for an Appreciative Approach Award to enable them to complete the 4-D Cycle: initiate the AI process, train team members in AI methods, conduct and transcribe interviews, analyze interview content (Discover); share findings, develop a vision of a positive future, suggest opportunities for change (Dream); and translate this work into strategies for positive change (Design & Destiny).
Funds: Individual awards may be up to $5,000; smaller budgets are strongly encouraged.
Eligibility and Requirements: Any group within the health system may apply for these funds. A group is defined as two or more people, although the project must ultimately have an impact on a larger group. Departmental groups are required to be multidisciplinary (physicians, nurses, students, residents, etc.)
All groups will be asked to send as many team members as possible to an AI Training Workshop before their application is completed. These will be offered throughout the year or can be scheduled specifically for your group. Award recipients will be asked to complete progress reports and share their work both within the institution and beyond it.
Deadlines: Applications may be submitted at any time. Please notify Natalie May if you plan to submit a proposal so that she may schedule reviewers for your proposal. She will also provide technical assistance as necessary.
Budget Guidelines: Funds may be used in any way to support an appreciative approach to organizational change. This may include printing costs, transcription services, digital audio recorders, lunches for team meetings, or a retreat for your department. Funds may not be used for salary or travel.
The Center for Appreciative Practice will provide the following resources and services: team training at AI Training Workshops; PowerPoint presentations to share with your group; an AI Mentor to serve as a consultant to your project; digital audio recorders; transcription services, and educational materials.
Review Criteria: Projects should be focused, original, and linked to the clinical and academic missions of the UVA Health System. They should promote collaboration between departments, specialties, programs, services, and professions. They should recognize teamwork rather than individuals and put values ahead of dollars.
If you would like more information or a copy of the Request for Applications, please contact Natalie May. To learn more about currently funded projects, click here.
