Cocreating a Futures Studies Course With Unionists

Abstract

Since 1988, the author has taught futuristics at the AFL-CIO George Meany Center for Labor Studies. First, the author highlights positive historical matters of which the union co-learners have little or no prior knowledge. Second, he reviews recent successes of major unions to emphasize the long-range planning entailed and to identify such planning as a key component of futuristics. Third, he highlights the democratic dimension in futuristics, emphasizing their responsibility for becoming major players in helping to decide our futures. Fourth, he puts special emphasis on mind-boggling matters, the better to get unionists to reassess their unexamined assumptions and take an open-mind approach. Fifth, he explains the tools in futuristics for gathering data, assessing impacts of developments, evaluating forecasts, and learning from fate. Sixth, he uses readings that are engaging, clear, short, and relevant. Finally, he discusses how a 21st-century cyberunion might employ futuristics, infotech, services, and traditions.