Posted: 1st February 2025

Future Narratives 2: Activation and collaboration

Future Narratives is committed to empowering young people to actively shape their futures. By building a methodology for youth work which integrates storytelling and Futures Literacy, we provide young people with the tools to reflect on their past, understand their present, and imagine new possibilities for the future. Through collaborative learning and creative exploration, Future Narratives aims to create inclusive, forward-thinking communities where young people can see themselves as agents of change.

As we begin the final year of the project, we are excited to see the Future Narratives methodology come to life as participants of the training are now beginning to activate their knowledge through workshops with young people. Guided by the mentorship of our youth work partner organisations in each country, trainers are gaining valuable hands-on experience in using the methodology. This practical phase is crucial for enhancing understanding and building confidence in applying Futures Literacy and storytelling techniques.

As youth workers implement these workshops, young people will benefit from the opportunity to deepen their understanding of the power of narrative in shaping their past, present, and future. They will develop their capabilities in Futures Literacy, learning to “use the future” as a tool to explore new possibilities and create positive change in their communities. These experiences create a deeper connection between young people and the narratives that define them, giving them the agency to shape their own futures.

In parallel, we are now beginning a series of virtual campfires – online events where youth workers participating in the training can come together, share their experiences, and build transnational connections. These campfires will provide a platform for the Future Narratives community to discuss key ideas, gain inspiration, and reflect on and exchange their experiences from the project. We will explore how storytelling can be a transformative tool for learning and shaping futures, how creative writing can help youth workers and young people craft their own narratives and futures, and the intersection of structured future thinking and imaginative, “magical” thinking to broaden the possibilities of imagination.

These campfires will serve as an introduction to Future Narratives for new participants and offer opportunities for learning, collaboration, and dialogue. They will allow for the sharing of innovative ideas and experiences while building a strong, interconnected community. As the project progresses, these events are central to our goals of expanding the impact of Future Narratives in youth work and imagining inclusive, positive futures.