Honoring Hearts, Honing Impact: A Human-Centered Approach to Post-Election Debriefs
Traditional debrief processes often focus solely on data collection and analysis, neglecting the human element. This approach can leave deeply committed individuals feeling unseen, drained, and potentially disconnected from the causes they strongly believe in.
Recognizing this gap, we've developed an After-Action Review (AAR) program that balances emotional processing with strategic analysis.
Our approach is particularly crucial for individuals working in the social impact sector, where personal values and professional goals are often deeply intertwined with the cause. By addressing both the emotional and analytical aspects, our AAR program helps maintain engagement and effectiveness, ensuring that passion continues to fuel impactful work.
Program Goals
1. Holding Space
Facilitate a safe environment for emotional expression and peer support.
2. Examining Intentions and Outcomes
Objectively analyze what was planned versus what occurred.
3. Bridging Gaps with Gratitude & Growth
Foster a positive, forward-looking mindset.
4. Embracing Possibilities & Taking Control
Identify opportunities within the organization's control.
5. Committing to Action
Encourage individual commitments to drive continued engagement.
Agenda Outline
Our standard program agenda serves as a starting point. We'll work with you to customize it to your specific needs of the program in reaview and audience.
-
We'll begin facilitating a space for participants to express and acknowledge their emotions regarding the program results. This foundation is crucial for them to engage in productive conversations about successes and areas for improvement.
Session Highlights:
Reflect on personal reactions to program outcomes and results
Attentively listen to and understand the experiences and emotions of others
Offer encouragement and empathy to peers as they share their experiences
-
We'll take stock of the program goals and examine the intended versus actual outcomes. This creates space for objective reflection ("what happened") before delving into challenges and opportunities.
Session Highlights:
Review original expectations
Compare these expectations with outcomes data to identify gaps
-
In this section, we'll guide participants through a reflective process that acknowledges challenges while fostering a positive, forward-looking mindset.
Session Highlights:
Reflect on aspects of the work to be thankful for despite challenges
Explore potential strategies to bridge the gap between expectations and results
-
We'll explore potential next steps and how team members might contribute to these possibilities.
Session Highlights:
Brainstorm potential opportunities arising from current challenges
Identify what actions and decisions teams and individuals can influence
Transform perceived limitations into areas for action and growth
-
In this final section, each participant will select and commits to one specific action to further contribute to the organization's culture and goals.
Session Highlights:
Consider individual strengths and preferences
Choose and commit to one specific action
Share commitments with the group to foster accountability
DATA COLLECTION AND SUMMATION
Your organization will receive all raw data collected during the process. We’ll also provide a summary of key data points using our After Action Review (AAR) template.
Download a sample report focusing on debriefing one strategic goal.
Our customized packages start from the following baseline
In-Person
6 Hours
Up to 20 participants
$12,500
Online
3 Days
2 Hours p/day
Up to 20 participants
$10,000
Who is it for?
Electoral Campaigns
Issue and Ballot Initiative Campaigns
Voter Registration Campaigns
Organizing and Mobilization Groups
Coalition Tables
Impact Litigation - Groups and Centers
Foundations/Funding Groups: Program Officers