Date of Degree Completion

Spring 2025

Degree Type

Capstone - Open Access

Instructor/Advisor

Dr. Melissa Nemon & Dr. Audrey Falk

Abstract

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are essential entities in responding to complex global challenges, including social, economic, political, environmental, and health-related issues. While significant research has focused on evaluating the performance of NGO programs, comparatively little attention has been paid to the lived experiences of NGO staff—particularly how they navigate and find meaning in their work, especially during times of uncertainty and change. This capstone addresses this gap by designing a strengths-based storytelling workshop aimed at developing NGO staff’s narrative capacity. Grounded in the framework of Appreciative Inquiry (AI) and narrative theory, the workshop explores how storytelling can serve as a human-centered and participatory complement to traditional program monitoring and evaluation (M&E) methods. Using a qualitative research design, the project engaged NGO leaders and staff to assess the feasibility and relevance of AI-based storytelling practices within their organizational contexts. Reviewers affirmed the value of this approach, highlighting its potential to supplement existing M&E approaches by including personal and collective narratives. Reviewers welcomed the participatory nature of the method, noting that AI storytelling has the potential to foster voice, belonging, and mutual understanding, while also contributing to a stronger sense of community. By situating storytelling as a mechanism for reflection, learning, and resilience, this research contributes to ongoing discussions around innovative and human-centered approaches to program monitoring. It advocates for integrating narrative practices into NGO monitoring and evaluation processes to generate new insights and to support the overall well-being and professional growth of those who are the heartbeat of the NGO.

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