Prevention through Appreciative Community Engagement
Michael Emmert, EdD
How can systems move toward partnering with the communities they serve?
In this session, Dr. Michael Emmart introduces PACE: Prevention through Appreciative Community Engagement - a practical, strengths-based framework for rethinking system-community relationships. Drawing on Appreciative Inquiry, positive sociology, and prevention science, PACE invites system partners to build on community strengths, shift outdated dynamics, and collaborate more effectively with impacted communities in support of lasting, positive change.
Designed for organizational development professionals, this talk offers new tools and mindsets to support meaningful, future-focused change.
Learning Objectives
1. A fresh framework for understanding and improving community engagement.
2. Insight into the kinds of organizational mindsets and practices grow relationships with impacted communities.
3. Tools to consider in helping your team move from reactive fixes to proactive collaboration with those you serve, regardless of your role.
About Your Facilitator
Michael Emmart, Ed.D. is a founding member of the Institute for Just Outcomes through Conversation, which is housed within Case Western Reserve University’s Fowler Center for Business as an Agent of World Benefit and has served as executive director since its inception. He also serves as a professor within Keuka College’s Division of Criminal Justice and Social Work. His speaking and research centers on the value of incorporating positive, inquiry-based conversations in our families, communities, and workplaces.
Michael’s professional interests center on strengthening the connection between communities and the systems intended to serve them. Drawing on frameworks such as Appreciative Inquiry, positive nonviolence, and community-engaged prevention science, his work explores how institutions can meaningfully engage with impacted communities to promote well-being and resilience. He is particularly interested in designing and evaluating initiatives that build collective efficacy, foster authentic partnerships, and shift power toward community-defined visions of success. Through his teaching, research, and practice, Michael is committed to developing practical, strengths-based tools that support positive systems change and deepen community voice in policy and service delivery.
Michael and his bride, Jodi, live in the beautiful Finger Lakes Region of Central New York, where they raised six children and are enjoying an ever-growing number of grandchildren.
AGENDA:
4:45 - 5:00 pm Join Zoom Meeting
5:00- 6:00 pm Training
Please be aware that our trainings could be recorded or photographed.
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