Future Search – helping people transform their capability for action

Future Search – helping people transform their capability for action is a free online workshop designed for people in all sectors who are grappling with system change. From not-for-profit to youth to government to corporate, this webinar will provide a window into what can happen when you bring the whole system into the room. 

If you’re interested in hearing about how people with diverse interests can work through complex issues and find opportunities for shared action, Future Search is for you.

Future Search is a principle-based planning model that brings together a range of people who share an interest in a particular issue or challenge.  Future Search participants meet together for 20 hours spread across three days. Through the Future Search action-based, facilitated and highly participative process, diverse voices are brought into a conversation to share their stories, explore common ground, share what they want for the future, and develop action plans.

The Future Search process is formed around four principles:

• Get the “whole system” in the room. Invite a significant cross-section of all parties with a stake in the outcome – those with authority, resources, expertise, information and need.
• Explore the “whole elephant” before seeking to fix any part. Get everyone talking about the same world. Think globally, act locally.
• Put common ground and future focus front and centre while treating problems and conflicts as information, not action items.
• Encourage self-management and responsibility for action by participants before, during and after the Future Search.

Future Searches have been run in every part of the world and in every sector of society. Future Search events in Aotearoa have included the Waiheke Marine Project Future Search, and a Future Search convened by the Te Oneroa-a-Tōhe Beach Management Board, supported by Te Rūnanga o Te Rarawa, to look at the future for Te Oneroa-a-Tōhe (90 Mile Beach).

The Future Search webinar will be facilitated by Centre for Social Impact associate Miranda Cassidy-O’Connell and and Lisa McNabb (Te Pātu, Te Rarawa, Ngāti Kahu, Te Aupōuri and Ngāti Kuri).

Miranda Cassidy-O’Connell

Over 25 years, Miranda has worked with multiple stakeholders spanning policy analysis, project management, collaboration training, facilitation, and large group planning. She has especial experience in Māori rights and interests in environmental issues, including fisheries and coastal management. Miranda has worked for iwi, not-for-profit, government and private sectors and is currently director of her own consulting company, FOLKUS Ltd.

A member of the international Future Search Network, Miranda has co-facilitated several Future Search events across the motu.

Miranda holds a BA (Sociology), an MSc (Hons) in Resource Management and qualifications in neuro-linguistic programming and regenerative development. She aims to continually learn ways of enabling and inspiring people to work together to build a sustainable society.

Lisa McNab (Te Pātu, Te Rarawa, Ngāti Kahu, Te Aupōuri and Ngāti Kuri) is involved in the Te Oneroa-a-Tohe community on several levels:

Chair of Toi Tangata (Te Hotu Manawa Māori ), Te Hiku Media, He Whānau Marama Trust, Treasurer of the Mangonui Netball Association, Trustee on Te Runanga o Te Rarawa, Te Hiku Iwi Development Trust, Wainui Marae and Ngāti Kahu Social & Health Services.

A former Community Board member for Te Hiku District of the Far North District Council and school Board of Trustees member, Lisa has consolidated her governance experience in advocating for equity for whānau Māori.

In her professional roles within Māori public health, Lisa has specialised in advocacy and enabling Tino Rangatiratanga. Lisa is recognised as a leader in this field and has participated on a multitude of national and regional advisory committees and boards—including for the Ministry of Health, Northland District Health Board, Te Reo Marama and the Obesity Coalition. For many years, Lisa sat on the Executive of the NZ Public Health Association (PHA) and founded a Te Tai Tokerau branch of the PHA. Lisa has led several major Māori-led health hui, expanded the Māori membership of this rōpū and strengthened engagement outside of the traditional public health sector. Lisa is also a founding member of STIR: STOP institutional racism who presented an extensive shadow report to the United Nations about racism in the health sector.

Lisa’s tribal connections are: Te Paatu, Te Rarawa, Ngati Kahu, Te Aupōuri and Ngati Kuri

Workshop places are limited to 200.  Please register now to secure your place.