Y14 SESSION 6


Icebreaker: Here’s some inspiration from one young person to another about “How to Change the World". You only need to watch until the 2:16 mark.

TODAY'S MISSION


When trying to solve a problem, there is a tendency to focus on what is not working and think about how you can fix it. But there is a problem-solving process that shifts to a positive perspective - looking at the things that are working, and building on them. By focusing on the positives, you can build on strengths that bring real success. This process is called Appreciative Inquiry and involves five D’s: Define, Discovery, Dream, Design and Deliver (Adapted from Mind Tools Club.) During this session, you will take on the first three elements of this process as a way to begin finalizing your project.

IDENTIFYING THE CHANGE YOU WANT TO SEE


GOALS


Today,you will:

  • Identify the challenge or issue you want to address
  • Analyze community issues to generate solutions
  • Determine your choice for the community project


Portofolio Workbook Steps: Each step should take 1 hour.

STEP 1

Define. “If I had an hour to solve a problem I'd spend 55 minutes thinking about the problem and 5 minutes thinking about solutions.”― Albert Einstein

Defining the problem is the most important part of problem solving. Sometimes what you think is the cause of the problem may actually only be the consequence or symptom of the problem. The Root Cause Tree (adapted from Advocate for Youth) is a tool to explore a problem and unearth underlying causes. Watch this quick video to understand more.

Complete the Root Cause Tree in your Workbook

STEP 2

Discover. Now that you’ve defined the problem, its root causes and consequences, it’s time to discover ways to address the issues. The Discovery phase is where you look for the best of what has happened in the past, and what is currently working.
Pick at least 3 discovery methods:

  • Ask your friends and family members
  • Talk to neighbors
  • Engage in a community discussion board such as Nextdoor.com.
  • Talk to community officials (local government) and police officers
  • Speak with non-profit groups in the area.
  • Visit this website to learn more about your community’s health
  • Interview a Community Member.
Remember to use your Workbook to capture your work.

STEP 3

Dream. In this phase you dream of “what might be.” Think about how you can take the positives you identified in the Discovery Phase, and reinforce them to build real strengths.

Time to take a stand! In your Workbook you will find a worksheets with questions that will help you develop a Theory of Change about your project. Learn more about a Theory of Change here.

When you're ready, click on Session Session below!