Appreciative inquiry orientation for Constituent assembly election

Appreciative Inquiry Orientation for Constituent Assembly Election August 28, 2007 | Ilam, Nepal Organizational Background and Context The NGO Federation Nepal, District Chapter Ilam, serves as an umbrella organization representing various non-governmental organizations across the district. This federation has played a pivotal role in introducing Appreciative Inquiry methodologies to Ilam and stands as a cornerstone institution supporting Nepal's federal democratic republican movement. Recognizing the critical importance of the upcoming Constituent Assembly elections in shaping Nepal's democratic future, the NGO Federation District Chapter Ilam has been actively implementing various programs focused on the Constituent Assembly (CA) and building an inclusive Nepal for all citizens. Campaign Initiative As part of its comprehensive civic engagement strategy, the federation is currently running an "Empowerment Program for Constituent Assembly from People Level" campaign, designed to strengthen grassroots participation in the democratic process and ensure meaningful community representation in the constitutional development process. Workshop Program Overview Program Title: Empowerment Program for Constituent Assembly from People Level Duration: 2-day workshop and training program Date: August 28, 2007 Venue: Ilam District Appreciative Inquiry Component Within this broader empowerment program, a specialized one-day Appreciative Inquiry orientation was conducted with specific objectives: Primary Goals: - Motivate participants and build enthusiasm for democratic participation - Develop positive attitudes toward the Constituent Assembly process - Equip participants with tools to inspire and motivate their communities - Foster strength-based approaches to civic engagement Participation and Engagement Participants: 19 representatives from various NGOs across Ilam district The orientation featured an interactive format that included: - Success Story Presentations: Three participants shared compelling success stories drawn from community development initiatives and everyday life experiences - Interactive Discussions: Collaborative analysis of positive community transformation examples - Motivational Sessions: Focus on building confidence and optimism about democratic participation Key Outcomes and Insights By the conclusion of the orientation, participants reached significant realizations: Community Awareness Approach Participants recognized that barriers preventing community participation in the Constituent Assembly process must be addressed through strength-based community awareness initiatives rather than problem-focused approaches. Empowerment Strategy The group understood that sustainable democratic participation requires building on existing community strengths, positive experiences, and successful practices rather than dwelling on limitations or challenges. Grassroots Engagement Participants gained clarity on how Appreciative Inquiry methodologies could be effectively applied to motivate and engage communities in the constitutional development process. Facilitation Team The orientation was expertly conducted by experienced Appreciative Inquiry practitioners: - Lead Facilitator: Mr. Kishor Rijal, Secretary, Imagine Ilam - Co-Facilitator: Mr. Nabin Lamichhane Strategic Significance This orientation represents a unique integration of Appreciative Inquiry principles with democratic participation efforts, demonstrating how positive, strength-based approaches can enhance civic engagement and community empowerment. The program established a foundation for more inclusive and effective grassroots participation in Nepal's historic constitutional development process. The initiative showcases the NGO Federation's innovative approach to combining community development methodologies with democratic institution building, creating a model that could be replicated across other districts in Nepal.