NZAPP Learning Event with Meg Warren, Ph.D. The Flourishing Ally: Using Positive Psychology to Boost Inclusiveness and Well-being (November 24, 2026)

Mon, 23 Nov 2026 23:30:00 GMT

About the session:

As instances of prejudice and discrimination increasingly come to light many well-intentioned everyday individuals have become interested in standing up as allies, i.e., advocates and supporters of marginalized and stigmatized groups. Yet, engaging in allyship can be complex, challenging, and exhausting. Whereas our recent studies suggest that over 75% of working adults say they intend to be allies, the majority also state that they are confused and hesitant to act. A positive psychology approach can help us overcome some of these challenges.

In this talk, I will summarize key findings from my body of research that take a positive psychology lens to understand the ‘why’, ‘how’, ‘what’ and ‘so what’ of meaningful, effective, and sustainable allyship. I will highlight research on virtuous allyship motivations, growing as an ally, strengths-based allyship strategies, and impacts of flourishing allyship that are geared to boost the well-being of marginalized groups and oneself.

About the speaker:

Meg A. Warren, Ph.D. is a Professor of Management at Western Washington University, a Fulbright Scholar-Specialist to Greece, and a Visiting Fellow at institutions in Fiji and Kenya. She is a researcher, keynote speaker, author, and positive organizational psychologist with expertise in allyship and cultural factors affecting well-being. Her award-winning research uses a positive psychology approach to study how individuals from relatively privileged groups can serve as allies to marginalized groups.

Dr. Warren has published 60+ journal articles and book chapters, and 2 books. Her essays and interviews have been covered by 300+ media outlets, in 30+ countries and 10+ languages. She is a featured columnist for Psychology Today and writes the column, "Better and Happier: The positive psychology of impactful and joyful allyship". She is currently working on a new book, "Spotlight on the Psychological Foundations of Allyship" (Edward Elgar Publishing).

She has held positions such as the Founding President of the Work & Organizations Division of the International Positive Psychology Association, Co-Founder of the Western Positive Psychology Association, and Co-Editor of the International Journal of Wellbeing. She also serves as a Faculty Affiliate of the Center for Positive Organizations at the University of Michigan.

Connect on LinkedIn Meg Warren, Ph.D or for more information about Meg's work and access to free resources, please visit: www.megwarren.com

Cost:

The event is free for NZAPP members and a limited number of guest tickets are available for $25. The recording and slides of the event will only be available to members of NZAPP.

Not already a member? The Association membership is $80 per annum (waged) and $40 (student). To join, click here and take advantage of our free to members annual calendar of events (eight per year).

New Zealand Association of Positive Psychology upcoming events

NZAPP Learning Event with Meg Warren, Ph.D. The Flourishing Ally: Using Positive Psychology to Boost Inclusiveness and Well-being (November 24, 2026)