The idea of establishing a Federal Office of Foresight (FOF) in the U.S. government is gaining traction among thought leaders and policymakers who recognize the need for a proactive approach to navigating future challenges. This effort is spearheaded by the Federal Foresight Advocacy Alliance (FFAA), a collaborative of foresight and strategy professionals “dedicated to enhancing the strategic posture of the United States through the establishment of a U.S. Federal Office of Strategic Foresight.”
In their case statement the FFAA states, “the office aspires to illuminate new future possibilities that will ignite imagination, innovation, and ideas that can build a better future for Americans.”
When I learned about this effort, I was reminded of the creative work of Arlene Goldbard and Adam Horowitz, who co-founded the US Department of Arts and Culture (USDAC) in 2010 to fill a gap created by the lack of a “real” federal arts and culture department. As a creative institution, the USDAC “performs” the function of the state, supporting communities and projects they’d want a “real” federal agency to invest in. In doing so, they harness the power of imagination, performance, and action to generate new possibilities, and seed new futures.
“We cannot create what we can't imagine.”
― Lucille Clifton
Guided by a citizen-led and policy-oriented leadership group they call the National Cabinet, the USDAC “merges organizing, political education, and performance to create a vibrant ecosystem that activates and harnesses spaces ripe for social, cultural and political change.” Among the 35 members of their National Cabinet are a Minister of Public Sentiment, a Catalyst for Native Creative Potential, a Secretary of Belonging, and a Secretary of Belief in The Next Generation, to name just a few.
Over the course of their 14-year history, the USDAC has created a People’s State of the Union, complete with a Poetic Address to the Nation, launched A People’s WPA (Works Progress Administration) to reimagine society in the wake of COVID-19, developed an Honor Native Land Guide to acknowledge the original peoples’ of the land, and sparked a #RightToBelong conversation, enabling communities to explore what would be different if “belonging” were an official policy. Throughout, their goal has been to use the power of creativity to advance liberatory change.
While the FOF has a different origin story and focus, both nonprofits:
share a belief in the need for proactive governance;
seek to fill a gap created by federal agencies that do not yet exist; and
desire to create a more futures focused world
So, what can we learn from the USDAC that can inspire the establishment and operations of a US Foresight Office?
Ideas for a US Foresight Office
Imagination and Performance: Like the USDAC, by performing the duties of an office before its formal establishment, a US Foresight Office can socialize its existence in the public imagination, build awareness, and generate momentum for its official creation–all while creating real impact through meaningful activities that “play” on themes of actual federal programs.
People-Centered Approach: The USDAC emphasizes a people-led, people-centered approach, ensuring that those most affected by policies are involved in their creation and implementation. A US Foresight Office should also seek to ensure inclusivity and diverse participation in foresight activities.
Integration of Arts and Culture: By integrating arts and culture into its initiatives, the USDAC makes the process of social change more accessible and engaging. A US Foresight Office could similarly use creative methods to make foresight work more relatable and impactful for the general public.
Focus on Collective Liberation: The USDAC’s focus on collective liberation ensures that its initiatives are grounded in justice and equity. A US Foresight Office should also work to ensure that futures planning benefits all segments of society, particularly marginalized communities.
Grassroots Mobilization: The success of USDAC is largely due to its grassroots mobilization. A US Foresight Office could harness the power of grassroots movements to gather diverse perspectives and foster broad-based support for foresight initiatives.
Dynamic Leadership Structure: The USDAC's National Cabinet is composed of diverse roles. This dynamic leadership structure allows a wide range of perspectives and expertise to shape its initiatives. A US Foresight Office could adopt a similar structure, creating specialized roles that welcome diverse viewpoints and creative interventions, enabling new voices to have a role tackling complex challenges.
Conclusion
As the concept of a Federal Office of Foresight takes shape, it can draw valuable lessons from the US Department of Arts and Culture. By adopting a people-centered approach, integrating creative practices, focusing on justice and equity, leveraging grassroots mobilization, implementing a dynamic leadership structure, and using imagination and prefigurative performance, a US Foresight Office can effectively anticipate and navigate future challenges, ensuring a more resilient and inclusive society. The USDAC’s innovative strategies and commitment to social change provide a compelling model for how foresight can be practiced in a way that is both impactful and inclusive and leads to meaningful change.
Image Credits:
Photo by Javier Allegue Barros on Unsplash
© amalia deloney, 2024
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