Future Scenarios

On Jan 29th, people interested in the Waterloo Wellington Scenario initiative got together to continue exploring ways to ensure a positive future for our communities. Working with Andrew Hunter and Lisa Hirmer of Dodolab (a locally based team that use creative tools to help people identify barriers to change), 25 people interested in thinking about possible scenarios for the future met at the Button Factory in Uptown Waterloo to look together for opportunities to act, needs to be met, barriers to change and bridges that will overcome them.

Since last April, groups of socially engaged citizens from Waterloo and Wellington have been working together and meeting regularly to explore opportunities and challenges in need our attention. Anyone interested is welcome; there's no shortage of ideas, and energy is now being directed towards making sure these ideas gain traction and start to have real impact. Five important questions have emerged as being key in the future development of the region:

1. Are we supporting youth leadership?
2. Are we recognising diversity as an asset?
3. Are we developing a culture of learning, experimentation and innovation?
4. Are we fostering collaboration, especially across sectors?
5. Can our economy sustain local development and environmental services?

Two groups are already working on initiatives that consider one or more of these questions; one addressing the resilience of local youth and the other linking the social and ecological significance of the Grand River. Keep checking sig.uwaterloo.ca for information and news on this scenario initiative and to find out how you can get involved.