Future Narratives is an innovative approach which combines Futures Literacy with the power of storytelling to inspire individuals and communities to understand their pasts, reframe their presents, and imagine new futures.
“The future can’t be predicted, but it can be envisioned and brought lovingly into being.” Daniella Meadows, ‘Dancing with Systems’
Over the last two years, through our Erasmus+ co-funded project we have worked with youth organisations across Europe to design and implement new forms of non-formal education, addressed to all young people and particularly to those from backgrounds of less advantage. We were deeply affected by the potential for personal, communal and social transformation revealed by this approach, and by its capacity to engage, connect, and empower young people.
“Opening ourselves to the possibilities of different perspectives and narratives will challenge our previous way of thinking and accepting and will show us a whole new dimension to our understanding of the world.” Myrna Gönnemann, Future Narratives participant
Read more responses from participants in our Future Narratives: Informal Innovation Pathways, where you will find the story of our journey alongside many transferable activities and inspirations.
We are now excited to begin a new stage of Future Narratives with our second Erasmus+ co-funded project. Over the next two years, we will build on our experience and continue creating momentum with young people through connection and empowerment while defining the Future Narratives methodology for youth work. By working with a plurality of voices, we aim to encourage and support the diversity of thought and action that is possible in imaginative, safe spaces, and enable people to become active and creative agents in their own lives and in wider society.
Our work began in September, and will progress through curriculum development in dialogue with experts, experimentation with our methodology in training with youth workers, educators and young people, and engagement with diverse stakeholders. In April 2025, we will hold the inaugural Future Narratives Festival in Ferrara, Italy, seeking to establish our approach as a model to enable new visions of the future.
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