For 70 years, the Great Books Foundation has helped people of all ages think critically, listen closely, and consider contrasting ideas with civility. We believe that an inquiry-based approach is essential, not only for learning but also for leadership. Our Shared Inquiry™ methodology empowers participants and fosters effective and responsive leadership that is inclusive of all stakeholder voices. With Inquiry In Action, we are taking this approach on the road with a mission to build stronger, more innovative working and thinking communities and to equip leaders with the skills to generate positive change.

Youth-Leadership-Torch

Youth
Leadership

Empowering young people to become effective leaders of tomorrow

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Community Advancement

Community
Advancement

Strengthening individuals to engage and advance their communities

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Organizational Growth

Organizational
Development

Elevating organizational culture through collaboration and inclusivity

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#GivingTuesday

In partnership with Melvina Masterminds Boot Camp, we are creating a unique opportunity for young people to build a strong vision for their future.

Founded by comedian and actor Hannibal Buress, Melvina Masterminds aims to create programming in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), and arts for students in underserved communities. Our goal is to develop an eight-week boot camp that provides students on the West Side of Chicago with STEM + Arts resources that are not readily available to them. As part of the program’s partnership with Inquiry In Action, students will also learn foundational leadership skills, empowering them to be effective leaders of tomorrow.

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Young adults talking about current events outdoor in the summer

Youth Leadership

We are empowering young people to become effective leaders of tomorrow.

We work with young people ages 14 to 24 to build the skills needed to assume leadership roles and fill them effectively. Through peer discussions and interactive, issues-based activities, participants learn to frame problems for exploration, ask fruitful follow-up questions, and work with group members to reach decisions that honor shared values.

Workshop Details
Skilled worker helps teammates understand lecture learn preparing for community advancement together

Community Advancement

We are strengthening individuals to engage and advance their communities.

Together with our partners, we work in diverse communities responding to changing circumstances and opportunities. We help leaders navigate challenging issues and create strategies for building engagement and collaboration in group settings. Community leaders who work with us increase their abilities to communicate effectively, recognize and work with different perspectives, and balance the need to make decisions with the goal of honoring divergent ideas.

Workshop Details

Organizational Development

We are elevating organizational culture through collaboration and inclusivity.

Because every organization is unique, we tailor our offerings to the specific situation of a given organization. We work with each organization individually to identify its leadership needs and goals and design a customized plan of action. Our approach emphasizes collaboration and critical analysis and helps leaders strengthen their abilities to frame powerful issues, listen closely, ask clarifying questions, and process divergent responses. Leaders emerge equipped to help their teams navigate a wide range of challenges.

Workshop Details

For more information, please contact us.