Future Worlds Center Philosophy: Difference between revisions

The static version of the logo of Future Worlds Center consists of a four multi-centered, overlapping and interconnected circles. The animation reveals that the circles are not isolated, but they convey a dynamic and interlinked system that can take different forms, like the form of a human, a bee, a butterfly, a duck, a fish or a heart. The circles remind us of the interlinked circles in a Plains Indian hoop dance, where each of the interlinked hoops represent a different created realm ... the Two Leggeds, the Four Leggeds, the Swimming People, etc. The logo reflects both the modus operandi of the organization and the fact that its aims, projects and people are also

overlapping, interconnected and multi-centered. The logo also reflects an important duality: The understanding that our modern world requires us to work (a) in multicultural environments and (b) in virtual vs. physical environment.

[[File:ProjectsCirclesExamples.png|left|thumb|upright=1|alt=Logo.|Participating in multiple projects]]

The Future Worlds Center is an excellent example of an organization that operates in multiple worlds that co-exist. From the point of view of our research activities, many projects focus on the interplay between real and virtual worlds. For example, we are interested on the marriage of the human brain with modern technology and the repercussions for humanity. Our projects focus in the study of virtual worlds, children’s’ behaviours and attitudes, new complex forms of bullying and harassment, the effects on attention, learning and development in general. From the social angle point of view, Future Worlds Center promotes multiculturalism and international development. We implement awareness campaigns and promote humanistic values and concepts such as understanding, tolerance, forgiveness and peaceful co-existence. Specific projects range from supporting vulnerable social groups and awareness actions promoting multicultural values, to international Development Education activities.

Future Worlds Center Associates belong to multiple “circles” (i.e., projects) at the same time. We use the term “Distributed project participation” to describe this. Their individual contributions and responsibilities in each project might differ in intensity, and they are agreed in advance. Projects have different sizes. Each project has one Coordinator (upper semi-circle in each project) and several members (who can also be external associates). In addition, every Associate must commit a percentage of their effort for logistics. Approximately 10% of one’s time should be available “on demand” to those coordinating projects. Furthermore, eveybody is involved

Projects may be funded or not. Usually, new Associates negotiate their participation in at least 3 main projects: A primary, a secondary and a minor. In most cases, either the primary or the secondary project is the one that also provides for the “daily living” (i.e., income). Optimally, these two projects are funded, which offers flexibility and stability for the individual. However, Future Worlds keeps money issues separate from projects in which its associates are active. In other words, funding options do not dictate our orientation and activities. This is called the “Tasks-money separation principle.” An easy-to-understand explanation is the following. New Associates are “trusted” funds that others have secured before them. In the realm of practical ethics, they are then expected to “pay back” the “gift” in three different ways: (a) “Pay back” the organization by securing new funds to support continuation of activities; (b) create analogous opportunities for others to join later; (c) support themselves by creating funding and working options.