The Project on Forward Engagement

Public Outreach

In a time of great uncertainty, systematic methods of anticipating shocks and shaping a preferred future are a priority. Across the U.S., citizens require the means to discuss an emerging class of complex issues, issues that can no longer be contained within traditional ideological boundaries, social clichés or media sound bites.

The Forward Engagement process offers a means of both “unpacking” highly-complex issues – urgent issues that are still ahead of us as well as those already unfolding before our very eyes – in a way that promotes a meaningful exchange of ideas about how our communities and government can engage the future sooner rather than later.

Americans across the country are ready to move critical discussions about complex issues affecting the future into the policy arena to inform a higher-level of decision-making.What is needed is a constituency for anticipatory governance.

The World Affairs Councils of America are currently conducting a test-run of Forward Engagement as a potential flagship program. To join in this effort, contact your local World Affairs Council and ask if they are doing Forward Engagement. If so, ask about joining in the discussion. If not, inquire about working with them to bring Forward Engagement to the Council.

Click Here to download the 4-page guide to implementing Forward Engagement at your local World Affairs Council.

These videos are intended as a means for me to convey "face to face" what Forward Engagement is trying to do, and how you can use these techniques at your council. You will see that the videos are broken down by topic in logical order from one to the next.

Foundations of Forward Engagement: (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQJd29KRCPo)