Envisioning a Better World

In the pursuit of positive social change, it’s essential to spend time imagining and envisioning what a better world could look like.

Many of us have an understanding of the things that we’re trying to avoid, or the things that we know need to be changed. People working for positive social change understand how important it is to avoid continuing environmental pollution, infringements on human rights, and creeping authoritarianism.

While understanding the challenges we face and what we’re trying to avoid is crucial, equal importance must be placed on imagining the world we want to build together.

Here are three strategies to help us think about what a better world could look like:

1. Think backward from ideal outcomes: Visualizing our desired future can inspire us to work towards that kind of future. By starting with the end goal in mind, we can map out the necessary steps to create this kind of better world.
2. Discuss ideal outcomes with others: Many of us may share the same goals, but perhaps we all have different images or thoughts in our head as to what an ideal outcome might look like. By sharing our visions with each other, we can build solidarity and align efforts with like-minded individuals.
3. Listen to perspectives from excluded or vulnerable communities: All too often, goals for positive social change reflect the perspectives of majorities who already have significant degrees of power. But genuine positive change will require new perspectives and new sets of leaders from communities and groups whose voices are rarely considered or heard, or which are even intentionally discarded. Make a conscious effort to seek out these kinds of perspectives and let them challenge old ways of thinking.

By dedicating time to imagining a better world, we can empower ourselves and cultivate a collective vision of a just future for all.

Originally published at https://www.daveindercomar.com on March 30, 2023.