This study presents a two-phase action learning approach to developing community health leaders through Appreciative Inquiry (AI) in an urban Bangkok community. Phase 1 explored learning needs and community readiness for leadership development. Insights from community members, volunteers, and local health workers revealed a demand for educational activities that could enhance self-care, strengthen health literacy, and build confidence in supporting others. These findings indicated potential for a participatory, strength-based approach to leadership learning. Data were collected through focus group discussions, participatory workshops, and reflective field notes, and analyzed thematically to inform program design. Phase 2 focused on cultivating a core group of community health leaders through AI-guided dialogue and experiential learning. At the outset, participants demonstrated low confidence, passive engagement, and uncertainty about their leadership roles. The leadership development cycle emphasized four processes: identifying strengths, envisioning preferred health futures, designing feasible strategies, and collaboratively implementing activities. Participants encountered challenges such as hesitancy in facilitating dialogue, difficulty assuming leadership roles, and negotiating shared responsibility within the group. Through this iterative learning process, participants shifted from perceiving themselves as passive recipients of health information to recognizing themselves as emerging community leaders and co-facilitators. These leaders later supported health literacy activities for couples at risk of non-communicable diseases. Qualitative reflections highlighted changes in confidence, communication skills, and sense of collective responsibility. This study offers transferable insights for practitioners and educators applying Appreciative Inquiry and action learning to strengthen community capacity and grassroots participation in health promotion.

Authors:
Kitima Songprakob, Srinakharinwirot University, Thailand

About the Presenter(s)
Miss.Kitima Songprakob is the Ph.d. candidate in Applied Psychology of BSRI, Srinakharinwirot University, Thailand.

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