• Introduction
• Fundamentals of Story Work
• What Is a Story?
• What Are Stories For?
• How Do Stories Work?
• Stories in Communities and Organizations
• A Guide to Participatory Narrative Inquiry
• Introducing Participatory Narrative Inquiry
• Project Planning
• Story Collection
• Group Exercises for Story Collection
• Narrative Catalysis
• Narrative Sensemaking
• Group Exercises for Narrative Sensemaking
• Narrative Intervention
• Narrative Return


• Appendices
• Example Models and Templates for Group Exercises
• Further Reading: Your PNI Bookshelf
• Bibliography
• Acknowledgements and Biography
• Glossary
• Index

A path winds its way through a forest. Why does it go the way it goes? Did someone design it? Or was the path made smooth by feet that chose the smoothest path? Maybe some of both?



Confluence examines the many ways in which organized, intentional plans (like paths we design) and self-organized, unintentional patterns (like paths that emerge where we walk) intermingle (happen at the same time and place) and interact (influence each other). The book lays out seven “thinking spaces” that explore various aspects of the structures and relationships that flow together in our lives.

Confluence includes copy-ready materials for a group exercise you can use to think about how organization and self-organization flow together in situations that matter to your life, work, family, community, and organization. 

For printables, errata, and other information, visit cfkurtz.com/confluence.