In the spring of 2024, SUPERRR and Futures Probes launched a pilot programme called “Futures Literacy for Civil Society” to collectively envision and strive for alternative futures – utopias being the ultimate direction. Together with BIWOC* Rising, das NETTZ, Deutsche Aidshilfe, D64, Hafiza Merkezi, HateAid, Junge Islam Konferenz, Netzforma*, Neue Deutsche Medienmacher*innen, Radikale Töchter, Romnja Feminist Library and Wikimedia, we explored how futures literacy could address contemporary crises while challenging dominant narratives about what was, is and could be. We aimed to harness the power of value-based critical futuring in civil society – to create alternative, desirable visions and translate them into actionable strategies.
Futuring is never objective, unbiased or free of interest. Therefore, it is deeply political who thinks about, imagines, longs for, plans and creates futures. It is deeply political whose narratives are recognised and socially validated, and who has the time, resources and living conditions to build futures. The narratives we have as a society determine how we, as individuals, look at the world, and what and how we think and (can) imagine. Conversely, our power of thought and imagination determines these narratives – and thus manifests our realities.
Futures literacy invites us to think beyond the familiar and venture into uncharted possibilities. It is a political practice that allows us to question the status quo, interrogate power relations and foster narratives rooted in care, equity and hope.
This political imagination toolkit is both the end and the beginning of our pilot programme. As a loose collection of analytical methods, somatic and visual practices, reflective exercises and conceptual introductions, it results from the findings and learning of our programme. But it is also a starting point, an invitation to critical futures thinking – to dreaming, imagining and enacting.
It is also a handmade, lovingly curated work of art. A time capsule to better futures, designed by our wonderful colleague, friend and scholarship-holder Salih Gürkan Çakar. Enriched with thoughts, ideas, knowledge and feelings from the SUPERRR team (Gürkan, Larissa, Ouassima, Lisa Ama) and the Futures Probes team (Lilith, Kitty, Elena), preceded by the work of so many smart and wonderful futurists, activists, thinkers, practitioners and friends.
Just before finalising this publication, designer, educator and activist Mushon Zer-Aviv released a workshop methodology for political imagination. It resonated so deeply with our vision for this prototype and was so aligned with what we hoped to achieve that it truly opened our hearts –serendipity at its best. It is a method that creates spaces for imagination, particularly in times when envisioning futures feels impossible. It looks for strength and hope, even and especially in the dark. We are deeply grateful to Mushon for sharing this method with us, and we feel blessed to feature it as part of this toolkit.
What if we all became futures literate? What if our collective imagination became a driving force for political change? What if futuring became a widespread political practice?
We can’t wait to find out!
Download the Political Imagination Toolkit here and practise your futures literacy!
Political Imagination Toolkit
