The Image Today: Field-Notes on the Interdisciplinary Use of the Visioning Workshop

Abstract

Fred Polak wrote in his classic text, The Image of The Future: The rise and fall of images of the future precedes or accompanies the rise and fall of cultures. As long as the society’s image is positive and flourishing, the flower of culture is in full bloom. Once the image begins to decay and lose its vitality, however, the culture does not long survive. This is, arguably, one of the most important tenets of Futures Studies as an academic discipline. This essay explores the importance and practice of imbuing our communities (especially our youth) with the ability to create positive future images; assisting them in the recognition of their own agency in the creation of preferred futures; and encouraging them to become active participants in the creation of positive personal and communal futures today.

Evaluating Health Futures in Aotearoa

“…However, most scenarios in practice are descriptive rather than normative (identify an ideal or desired future). The creation of normative futures is more often addressed through visioning techniques (Bishop et al 2007; Bodinet 2018).…”