We’re living in a moment where the conditions we face are changing at lightning speed.

We’re facing threats to our democracy, growing authoritarianism, attacks on basic civil rights, and major tests to the courts and the rule of law. Constant urgency, limited resources, and siloed fights make it hard to step back and take stock of the changes happening all around us. Scenario planning can help us prepare for what’s coming and maximize our power regardless of the future conditions we face.

To meet this moment, Future Currents seeks to ensure our partners can engage in critical scenario thinking that guides our strategies and actions from near to long-term. These scenario planning tools can be used by individuals, organizations, and coalitions or networks. They can be incorporated as ice breakers at a staff meeting, become part of weekly wrap-up routines, or can justify dedicated half-day meetings of their own. And, each can be used as a model to build your own specific scenarios to navigate through.

• Moment in Time travels to June 21, 2026 to explore one moment through multiple lenses by situating participants in different contexts all on the same day. Participants will imagine themselves in this future, reflect on what they might do in that context, and think about what they could do today to be better prepared. The exercise is designed to take at least 20 minutes and works well for groups, but can be modified to fit your needs by adjusting the discussion time.
   
• Plot Twist travels to 2027 to generate and explore a short future scenario composed of various political, economic, and social/cultural conditions. Participants will consider how to navigate that future through strategic reflection and action-oriented questions. The exercise is designed to take at least 35 minutes for individual use and 60 minutes for group use, but can be modified by adjusting the discussion time.
   
• Reflect, Discuss, Act takes participants to the Spring of 2028 to strategize about how to meet a future where unions are facing increased restrictions and harassment leading up to an important power-building opportunity – the general strike on May 1st, 2028. The tool also includes instructions to use the Reflect, Discuss, Act model to develop new scenarios to focus on a particular geography, issue area, or timeline. The exercise is designed to take at least 60 minutes, but can be modified by adjusting the discussion time.
   
• PESTLE JaM helps to identify trends over time, better anticipate changes to future conditions, and spark creative thinking about wielding what is within your control to shape or influence the future. The exercise is designed to take at least an hour, but can be modified by adjusting the discussion time.

These scenario planning tools are designed to help to stretch your imagination and practice responding to uncertainty.