Future search conference

Objective

A future search conference helps a group of people attempt to create a shared community vision of the future, and agree on a plan of action.

Method

• Canvas people to be invited to be part of the future search.
• Book venue.
• Hire a facilitator.
• Advertise event.
• Brief participants and the facilitator on the aims and objectives of the session.
• Provide a background briefing for participants if required.
• Conduct discussion. One methodology for conducting the discussion outlined by Emery identifies five stages to the process:
• External environment: ‘the futures we are currently in’ are described by the participants.
• Desirable futures: groups construct a list of desirable futures that build upon the current situation.
• Desirable futures are transmitted into more explicit pictures.
• Testing desirable futures against the reality of the current situation and the criteria generated earlier in the meeting.
• Discussing the implementation of the desirable future, based on current circumstances and resources.
• Record issues raised by individuals and report back in the plenary sessions.
• Compile a report of proceedings.

Source

1. http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/effective-engagement/toolkit/tool-future-search-conference

The author of this article is UNIVE team The article has been reviewed by Plan Bleu and PAP/RAC Please note that others may also have edited the contents of this article. For other articles by this author see Category:Articles by UNIVE team