Future~Present
Notice Tactics in the Present That Shape a More Attractive Future (~25 min.)
“In living systems, the behavior at a given time is determined by memory and partly by anticipation of the future. In this way, the future contributes to the present.”
Purposes
In Future~Present, participants imagine looking back from fifteen to thirty years in the future to see how they achieved their goals. This “backcasting” rather than forecasting helps us identify opportunities to shape the future by building on small, early wins in the present. Future~Present enacts LS Principle #9, Engage in Seriously Playful Curiosity.
Principle: Engage in Seriously Playful Curiosity.
Five Structural Elements—Min Specs
Structuring Invitation
“Imagine it’s fifteen to thirty years from now. Our group has worked hard together and made amazing things happen. (Describe a few specific achievements.) Our younger generation has grown up in this fabulous world and doesn’t even know about the problems we faced. We’re all gathered around a campfire—elders who remember the old days and youth who are curious about the past. Let’s learn what made this bright future possible.”
Space and Materials
Space for groups of four to five to sit or stand [breakouts of four to five]. Optional—interview question handouts (see below).
Participation Distribution
Roles include host [tech host], elders, and youths. Minimum group size is four. Everyone is invited and has an equal opportunity to contribute.
Group Configuration
Small groups, whole group
Steps and Time Allocation
Intro: Share the structuring invitation. Display the interview questions. (4 min.)
Campfire Storytelling: Participants form groups of four to five [breakouts]. Two play elders and the others play youths. The youths interview the elders using the four interview questions. The youths lean forward, make eye contact, and use nonverbal cues to show active listening, while the elders listen to each other and improvise, building on each other’s responses with “yes, and . . .” (10 min.)
Collect Story Highlights: Everyone returns to plenary to reflect on what the elders said made them successful and what changes, support systems, or patterns helped them. Record ideas and highlights [use Chatterfall]. (10 min.)
Future~Present
Questions: Youth asking Elders
Elders, we have heard about the old days. Times were hard. [Expand with more contextual details from your setting]. There seemed to be no way out. Is it true? What problems and insurmountable opportunities existed? Tell me, I’m really curious.
Elders, what was it like in the midst of this turmoil? How did you feel? What gave you hope amid the despair? Tell me, I’ve always wondered.
Elders, there are many stories about you and your fellow pioneers. What first small steps did you take? How did you turn up the heat? How did you build and maintain momentum? Tell me.
Elders, I know you did not stop with those early actions. Tell me, where did you find the strength to go on? Who showed up unexpectedly and gave you confidence something more was possible? Tell me more.
Future~Present Interview Questions Handout
Taking It Online
This structure works online with no major adjustments.
Practice Insights
Tips
Encourage participants to play seriously with the questions and answers. Participants may have difficulty understanding the relationship between the roles. Sharing specific goals that the group has accomplished can help everyone imagine what the future will be like.
Practical Applications
Summarize ways to invest in the future at the end of a strategic planning session. Identify what the group needs to experience at the start of a new initiative. Help a group that is stuck in a rut.
Optional String
String with 9 Whys to clarify purpose or 15% Solutions to clarify next steps. Use Ecocycle Planning to explore what would move activities out of Scarcity or Rigidity Traps and Future~Present to imagine the lasting impacts of those shifts.
Attribution
Developed by Keith McCandless and Fisher Qua. Dig deeper by exploring the deep ecology and great turning initiatives of Joanna Macy.
Collateral Materials
Link to supporting materials for Future~Present.
A one-slide overview of the elements of Future Present in the LS constellation format.
