From Talk to Action: An Appreciative Inquiry Approach to Diversity and Inclusion Work Within a Community of Practice

Abstract

Abstract As a result of ongoing racial tension, interest in learning and development around diversity and inclusion has continued to rise across disciplines in recent decades. To prepare students to lead across differences, leadership educators must cultivate students’ capacity to engage in diversity, equity, and inclusion principles. This article discusses how a community of practice developed a 28-Day Equity Challenge to examine social issues. Our conceptual framework demonstrates the interplay of how leadership and learning theories and appreciative inquiry informed this challenge and supported a creative approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion learning. The findings of this practice guide future applications to enhance student learning.