In the spring of 2010, 80 individuals from across the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board, parents, community partners, and staff from a variety of roles, came together to Make a Positive Impact. Using an Appreciative Inquiry approach, participants spent a full day touring 20 schools and facilities. The goal was to witness first-hand some of the creative and innovative ways that we work together to support student learning. Following the tour the participants came together for another full day to share what they had seen and heard. The outcome was one of pride and respect for the students and staff that make up the OCDSB.

Appreciative Inquiry focuses on the possibilities, opportunities, and potential within every organization. As a means of affecting change, Appreciative Inquiry shifts the focus from a deficit model that seeks first to identify problems and then potential solutions, to a model that recognizes the plentiful potential that already exists within our organization. Every organization has strengths. Appreciative Inquiry aims to discover and celebrate those strengths.

Participants described the event as creative, optimistic, and energizing. The opportunity to connect with parents, community partners, and staff from other sites across the District was well-received. Several participants indicated that the timing for this event was perfect as it led them to renewed commitment to thinking and acting creatively in order to best meet the needs of all students.