Jan
29
Futures Thinking Workshop
Using our imaginations influences how people define problems, make decisions, set priorities and imagine what a sustainable future should look like.
In this interactive workshop, participants will reflect on how imagining and preparing for multiple possible futures shapes sustainability work.
UMN Only
In-Person
Date
January 29, 2027
Time
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
location
1954 Buford Ave, Suite 325 St. Paul, MN 55108
organizer
Registration
Register for the Futures Thinking Workshop
Registration is free. University of Minnesota graduate students from any degree or campus may register for one, several or all four workshops in the series.
What You Will Learn
By participating in this workshop, you will:
- Hear perspectives and examples from sustainability professionals.
- Apply tools or frameworks to a practical sustainability problem.
- Connect futures thinking to your research project, professional goal, community initiative or other area of interest.
Workshop Details
Location: LES 350, St. Paul campus
Lunch: Free lunch is provided from noon–1 p.m.
Format: In-person, interactive workshop
Cost: Free for University of Minnesota graduate students
Digital badge: Participants may choose to complete requirements for a UMN digital badge related to Values Thinking. Details will be shared during the workshop.
Who Should Participate?
This workshop may be especially useful for graduate students who want to:
- Bring a sustainability perspective into their academic discipline or future career.
- Better understand how our imaginations influence sustainability decisions.
- Strengthen their ability to work across disciplines, communities and sectors.
- Apply sustainability leadership tools to a current or future research, professional or community-based project.
No prior sustainability coursework or experience is required.
About the Series
The Sustainability Leadership Workshop Series is a free, interdisciplinary professional development opportunity for University of Minnesota graduate students from all degree programs and campuses. Through interactive, in-person workshops on the St. Paul campus, participants build practical skills for leading sustainability impact across disciplines, sectors and careers.
Students may register for one or more workshops and may choose to earn a UMN digital badge for each workshop.
Learn More About the 2026–27 Series
- October 16, 2026 – Values Thinking: Consider how ethics and values influence sustainability decisions
- November 13, 2026 – Systems Thinking: Examine connections across ecological, social and economic systems
- January 29, 2027 – Futures Thinking: Imagine and prepare for multiple possible futures
- February 26, 2027 – Strategic Thinking: Develop pathways from ideas to short and long term action
Learn about the full Sustainability Leadership Workshop Series
Questions and Accommodations
Questions or accommodation requests? Email [email protected].