By convention, fall is when we take the big picture view of the health of our institution. This year it is especially timely. COVID-19 unmasked global challenges across finance, governance, civil unrest, and faith traditions. Now could be a pivotal moment as was September 11, 2001.
Our challenge is to position the institution for the coming major test in climate change. Future Generations offers a base to reach people and communities around the globe while providing a method for people to act locally. The future is uncertain; communities can learn to adapt to the crises it presents.
Our goal is improving the human condition. Our method is unique. We have turned community action into the academic field of Applied Community Development. While human development is centered on economics, our field advances human life by empowering people to use what they already have. By learning how to redirect our behaviors, we are able to redirect our communities toward values that matter to us. We build on what works and use what we already have more effectively.
Most development organizations hand out answers. They give assistance with aid and technologies. Future Generations focuses on education, revealing to people how to drive processes in their communities already at work and advance them. We shall share ideas to open innovation, growing from communities, solutions fitted to each. A path to a sustainable future opens.