What is Future Search and Why
- 1. What Is Future Search? • A special meeting design that comes from theories and principles tested in many cultures for the past 50 years. • It relies on mutual learning among stakeholders as a catalyst for voluntary action and follow-up. • Participants (60-100) working in small groups devise new forms of cooperation that continue for months or years. • Unique 2 ½ day planning process that brings together a large group of diverse stakeholders focused on a complex issue or goal. • Small groups alternate from all stakeholders to mixed groups. • Highly structured and task focused/outcome of each task builds on the next. • Goal: Shared commitment around specific action.
- 2. Future Search Principles • Whole system in the room – cross section of key stakeholders. • Exploration before action – see the big picture, put issue in global/historical perspective. • Seek Common Ground - focus on mutually desirable futures. • Shared Commitment – take responsibility for outcomes and action.
- 3. Holland/Zeeland Area Future Search From March 28 – 30, 2011, 105 people representing our local governments, and a broad cross section of the Greater Holland/Zeeland community, came together for a ground breaking Future Search focused on 21st Century Governance in the Greater Holland/Zeeland area.
- 4. Why Future Search? • We believe the Holland/Zeeland community is a very special place. • We recognize the world has changed. • We acknowledge that economic forces have impacted the effectiveness of our area business models and the way we must approach our future.
- 5. Our Future Search Goals Bring local public officials together with business and community stakeholders to explore new ways to: • deliver essential services effectively and more cost-efficiently • be a model for innovation and best practices in local governance • preserve our exceptional quality of life
- 6. Government vs. Governance • Governance is defined as the act of governing. • It is essentially how our governments and other publically approved organizations serve our community.
- 7. Why Focus on Local Governance? • Governments provide essential services. • Business provides revenues that flow through government, non-profit and educational institutions. • Cost of government services directly impacts economic competitiveness and quality of life. • we must find ways to deliver essential government services at lower cost per capita
- 8. What Future Search Participants Said about the Experience • Wow – lots of hard issues coming to the forefront and forcing us to think into the future – some really good thinking going on here. • A truly unbelievable experience. I feel revitalized and hopeful about our community. • Great model for how communities need to tackle this new economy – I will advocate for this type of process in my work throughout the state and at the federal level. • Great two days collaborating sharing and learning, I feel fortunate to be a part of it. • To see so many people from two communities and various sectors come together acknowledging common ground and tackling some tough issues was really unexpected.
- 9. Future Search Original Planning Committee Dick Haworth (Chairman Emeritus, Haworth) co-chair Tim Hemingway (Board Chair HBPW) co-chair Jim Brooks (Chair, Model Community Initiatives) Steve Bulthuis (Executive Director, MACC) Janet DeYoung (Executive Director, H/Z Community Foundation) Jerry Felix (Manager, Park Township) Terry Hofmeyer (Supervisor, Laketown Township) Greg Holcombe (Community Planner, Riverview) Tim Klunder (City Manager, Zeeland) Don Komejan (Manager, Holland Charter Township) Randy Thelen (President, Lakeshore Advantage) Al Vanderberg (Administrator, Ottawa County) Soren Wolff (City Manager, City of Holland) Linda Brand (Executive Director, Strategic Leadership Forum) Sandra Janoff (Facilitator and co-founder Future Search)
- 10. Stay informed, get involved! www.modelcomm.org Sign up for updates Provide feedback Get involved!
- 11. Together We Can Create a Bold New Future