Futurists explore the future, just as historians study the past. Whereas history is concerned with origins, roots, and where we have been; Futures Studies is about goals, purposes, and where we are going--and how we get there. A futures consultant or facilitator helps clients expand their typically narrower focus on the future to a broader range of possibilities. They forecast the future, not just to know the future as an abstract description, but rather to prepare for it as a concrete reality. The objective is not just to know what will happen, but to be ready for whatever does happen. The purpose is not necessarily to be exactly right (which is impossible), but rather not to be wrong--that is, not to be surprised. Surprise means inadequate preparation, late response, higher risk of failure, even chaos or panic. Thus, preparing for the full range of plausible futures is the objective of Futures Studies.

Functions:

• Monitors the global environment for signs of change
• Challenges prevailing assumptions about change
• Describes likely and other plausible scenarios for the future
• Helps others envision, plan for and work toward their preferred future

Approaches:

• Consults diverse information sources
• Uses consistent and transparent methodologies and tools
• Involves stakeholders in the work process
• Acts ethically for the good of current and future generations