Future-Present
Notice threads in the present that if tugged on might unravel a more attractive future. Identify how the hints of a more ideal future are present, just not widely distributed yet. Participants can notice small changes, support structures, and local success patterns that have the potential to be scaled up to a global transformation. This includes surfacing strategies to overcome resistance and methods to spread early successes. Future~Present does not produce a plan to be implemented but rather builds momentum, imagination, social proof, and confidence in subtle or incremental signals. This builds capacity to actively shape next steps and pounce on opportunities.
Goal
Instructions
Invitation: enter into a conversation guided by the following questions:
- Pioneer, I have heard about the old days, times were hard. [Add the topic. Often a worthy yet elusive goal you are moving forward toward]. There seemed to be no way out. Is it true? What problems existed? Tell me. [3 min]
- Pioneer, what was it like in the midst of this turmoil? How did you feel? What gave you hope amid the despair? Tell me. [3 min]
- Pioneer, 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. [3 min]
- Pioneer, I know you did not stop with those early actions. Tell me, where did you find the strength to go on? What unusual suspects showed up that gave you hope something more was possible? Tell me. [3 min]
Group Configuration: Quartets or quintets with two people acting as the storytellers/elders, 2 people act as youth of a future generation asking the pioneering elders to look backwards on 10-20 years of progress and share their reflections.
Space and Materials: In chairs or standing facing one another. The four questions should be available to the “youth of a future generation” via a handout or projection on a screen.
Sequence and Timing: Three minutes per question. Four questions in order plus three minutes debrief. Total 15 minutes for Future~Present.
Debrief: As Future~Present comes to a close, the “youth” that has been listening and interviewing may want to talk together to identify themes that popped out of the conversations. The Pioneers should listen in without commenting… then join in sharing their experience. [3 min] Switching roles and repeating the Future~Present may be useful.
Attachments
- interview.png
- FuturePresent+v+1.8.doc
Background
Adapted by Keith McCandless and Fisher Qua from Joanna Macy, Coming Back To Life
This is part of the Liberating Structures body of work, currently "in development" (as of 2026).
If you are using this method and would like to contribute to its development, consider filling out the following method evaluation feedback form:
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To learn more about "in development" Liberating Structures: https://www.liberatingstructures.com/ls-in-development/
Author
Liberating Structures are easy-to-learn microstructures that enhance relational coordination and trust. They quickly foster lively participation in groups of any size, making it possible to truly include and unleash everyone. Liberating Structures are a disruptive innovation that can replace more controlling or constraining approaches. Liberating Structures introduce tiny shifts in the way we meet, plan, decide and relate to one another. They put the innovative power once reserved for experts only in hands of everyone. Authored by Keith McCandless and Henri Lipmanowicz
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