Staying relevant in changing times : fixing the roof while the sun is shining

Abstract

This research engaged Destination Imagination’s (DI) British Columbia Division in dialogue with an appreciative stance to explore what it means for this nonprofit, volunteer-driven organization to stay relevant in a changing marketplace and how collaboratively, they can prepare for change. Participant groups built on what DI is doing well, reinforcing the organizational roof to help DI better weather future storms, whether expected or unexpected, gradual or significant. A total of 19 in-depth interviews were conducted. Five major findings emerged from the analysis of the data and led to the identification of DI’s core elements – creating a passion for learning, embracing obstacles and failure, and facilitating a community of care. Upheld by like-minded champions with diverse skills and a shared vision to support children, the participants – the human side of DI – and its core dimensions have contributed to the organization’s success over the years. ​Keywords: marketplace relevance, organizational change, action research engagement, ​participant engagement