Conference Notes 8/07
Sharing Information 7/07
Virtual Reality 5/07
Globalization 4/07
Study the Future 4/07
Who is a Futurist 3/07
Happy New Year 2/07
Why a Web Log 1/07

© 2007
World Future Society
7910 Woodmont Ave., Suite 450
Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
Tel: 800/989-8274 or 301/656-8274
Fax: 301/951-0394

     Since I began this blog, I have been talking about feedback and encouraging WFS members (and others) to tell us when we are not doing something, as well as positive feedback when they were happy with our performance. Accordingly, for this blog I am hitting the high points on the feedback I received during the Minnesota conference, especially concerning how to get more young people involved.

• Many of the presentations focused on change, not about change management. Participants want to learn how to use this information. They want the issue broken down for them and told how this information is going to impact the future of younger people. People want less on the history/background/evolution of a trend and more useful suggestions.
• The general energy/optimism of the Minnesota meeting was good. People experienced a connection to the overall experience. The annual conferences are accessible and very good at asking attendees for their feedback.
• A new track needs to be developed for young professionals so that the WFS has a new generation of people coming into it. Young professionals should network amongst themselves and learn from each other. [Anyone who wants to volunteer, let me know.]
• WFS should utilize some of the newer technologies (i.e. webcasting) to involve the younger generations more. It should also focus on creating the next iteration of the WFS and building excitement among those under the age of 40. [We are already working on this, but need to do more.]
• WFS should explore the idea of reciprocal mentoring. Find younger people genuinely interested in the future and pair them up with older Futurists so that they can learn from one another. [Again, anyone who wants to volunteer for either mentoring or to be a mentor, let me know.]
• The 2008 conference in Washington, D.C. should cover the futures of three regions (Asia, Africa, and the Middle East) as it relates to health care, education, infrastructure development, technology, etc. We welcome speakers from Think Tanks, DC organizations/associations, etc. to give the conference an international focus and make use of local talents. Pick regions where power is increasing around the world.
• Another session could be a thoughtful look at work and careers in the 21^st century—involve younger people, i.e. two under 40 and two over 40 on a panel together. [Does anyone want to organize this one?]

 All in all, this is very useful for me and for WFS
…..Keep that feedback coming!!

   Share your thoughts and ideas, I love hearing from you.  tmack@wfs.org