Future-Present

Develop imaginative tactics in the present that shape a more attractive future

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 attachments and here below)

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.

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.)

Taking It Online

This structure works online with no major adjustments.

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.

Adapted by Keith McCandless and Fisher Qua. Dig deeper by exploring the deep ecology and great turning initiatives of Joanna Macy.

This is part of the Liberating Structures body of work.