News from Institute for Alternative Futures

The future is fundamentally uncertain, yet there are discernable directions, even if signs point to conflicting and multiple outcomes. For some, uncertainty justifies not thinking about the future, while for others the uncertainty is a source of opportunity. Without a concerted effort to be future-focused, organizations run grave risks of diminished importance or even oblivion in the fluctuating world of the early 21st century. Thinking about the future increases the likelihood of success in the long run.
All of our experience is with the past, but all of our decisions are about the future. Many people have assumed that their past experience is a fairly reliable guide to the future-the future will simply be a bigger and better version of the world with which they are familiar. However, the pace of change now makes it clear to thoughtful people that continuity can no longer be taken for granted. In area after area today, we are confronted by true uncertainty: we really do not know what will happen, but we know it is going to happen more quickly.
The future cannot be predicted. The word "futures" in futures studies is plural because there is no one preordained future that is fated to occur. Rather, there are many different possible alternative futures. Instead of predicting what the future will be, futurists use a wide range of methodologies to engage in structured and thoughtful speculation about future possibilities. This helps people prepare for whatever future comes, and positions them to be more able to create the future they prefer. You can view IAF’s Wiser Futures Compendium that showcases IAF’s Aspirational Futures approach to futures studies. The Wider Futures Compendium is part of the Wiser Futures Workshop run annually at the World Futures Society Annual Conference and is one of IAF’s many workshop conducted with clients. You can learn more about the services offered by IAF here.

The Institute for Alternative Futures (IAF) is a nonprofit research and educational organization founded in 1977 by Clement Bezold, James Dator and Alvin Toffler. IAF specializes in aiding organizations and individuals to more wisely choose and create their preferred futures.
In its many projects and programs, IAF has developed unique forms of facilitation that encourage openness to exploring the future and assist rapid learning. Operating from a thoughtful base of futures research, IAF meetings have stimulated policy discussions and facilitated strategic planning efforts for many organizations. The dialogue produced in these meetings and the associated written materials have created both greater insight into current practices and foresight about the impact that trends and emerging issues might have. Click to view a showcase of past projects or click here to view the new brochure (PDF).
Projects
Audiology Foundation of America
Futures Scan for the American Society of Association Executives Foundation
National Association of Elementary School Principals Looks to the Future
Looking Deeper: Strategic Issues Shaping the Global Future of Mechanical Engineering
American Cancer Society Focuses on Prevention and Control
Anticipating the Forces of Change for Orthodontics
IAF Assists AARP on Aging Projects
International Council of Nurses Creates Vision for 100th Anniversary
Safe Kids Worldwide Strategic Framework
2017 Scenarios for Occupational Therapy
Read more from IAF....news & events.