The Wow Factor and a Non-Theory of Change

This “thought piece” conceives of the positive approach to peacebuilding as a “composite moment” in which the creative process lifts sight to a new, more holistic view and motivates action not directly on “the problem,” but rather in the relational spaces surrounding the problem. In changing the people, relationships, and environment, the process ultimately changes the problem itself. This “non-theory” of change is derived in part from author’s experience with a storytelling project, “Dream the Light,” following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, in the United States. An appendix to the chapter tells the story of the storytelling project and then presents the story itself, together with an original song created to accompany it.