The Hawaii Research Center for Futures Studies Vision Statement
The Hawaii Research Center for Futures Studies (HRCFS) is one of the oldest and best-known futures-oriented academic research institutes in the world. Located within the Social Science Research Institute of the University of Hawaii at Manoa, the HRCFS, through research and consultation, enables individuals, communities, government agencies, and business organizations to examine possible and preferred futures. The HRCFS assists in the development of visions, foresight, and strategic plans. It helps groups develop their own abilities to identify future trends and emerging issues, and to understand their potential impacts. The HRCFS enables groups to attain their preferred futures, assisting them in achieving a better tomorrow not only for themselves, but for everyone they touch.
In cooperation with the Department of Political Science and other units within the University of Hawaii, the HRCFS helps undergraduate and graduate students learn the theories, methods, and uses of futures studies. Students reconceptualize the future, seeing "the futures" as multiple and open, as a space with many possible and as-yet undetermined outcomes which depend upon their active participation. They question their assumptions, evaluate differing cultural and disciplinary perspectives, and envision and create preferred futures for future generations.
The future can not be predicted. However, each of us has a role in the construction of whatever futures do come to pass. Humans have never before had more influence over the futures of our environment, our biology, and indeed, of all life. This influence is a powerful force in the construction of our futures, yet we lack both the ethics and the institutions to enable us to exercise our powers responsibly on behalf of future generations. Futures studies encourages the contemplation of many possible futures, and facilitates dialogue between groups with competing or conflicting visions. It seeks to transform the self-centered world of today into futures-oriented cultures for tomorrow.
Come join us in this bold adventure.
