Building a Better Future: Civic Engagement & Futures Thinking | A Brief History of the Future

Students are likely familiar with how civic engagement and policy has shaped our past and present. But have they ever considered how the future might shape present policies and civic actions?

In this lesson, students will engage with three case studies from around the world that highlight how people and communities are using a systems thinking practice known as futures thinking to help citizens shape this moment in history to build a better tomorrow.

Through focused media engagement and sensemaking activities, students are encouraged to imagine better futures, understand the role of policy in working towards those futures, and investigate how practicing our civics skills can help drive us toward a positive future. These activities will give space for students to flex their collaboration, critical thinking, civil discourse, and systems thinking skills. An optional final activity asks students to engage with their school board to recommend a change that would benefit future students at their school.

About the Author

Michelle Blanchet is the co-founder of The Educators’ Lab— an organization that supports teacher-driven projects that create impact for students and their communities. A former teacher herself, she has worked with a wide range of organizations to facilitate changemaking in education and support teacher innovation. She is the author of two books.