Frequently Asked Questions

Click here for FAQs in Filipino

Q. What is the City Futures Lab?

A. The City Futures Lab is an social lab that focuses on developing advancing the theory and practice of futures thinking in the area of local governance of cities, provinces, municipalities, and community level organizations. 

Q.What is the role of a Student Ambassador in the City Futures Lab?

A. Student Ambassadors serve as representatives of the City Futures Lab on their respective campuses. They help to promote the lab's initiatives, recruit new members, and organize events and workshops.

Q.What are the qualifications for becoming a Student Ambassador?

A. To be considered for the role of Student Ambassador, candidates should have a strong interest in the futures thinking, community engagement, Sustainable Development Goals, sectoral development, leadership, volunteering, governance, or public administration, and should be able to commit to a minimum of 10 hours per month to the role.

Q.What kind of projects can be done through the City Futures Lab?

A.Students can pursue curricular, co-curricular, or extracurricular projects under the City Futures Lab. Click here for some sample projects. 

Q. Does the City Futures Lab provide funding for projects? 

A. Usually, we don't provide funding for projects. Project teams and student ambassadors are encouraged to mobilize funding for their own projects. Financial support might be mobilized from university research projects, local socio-civic organizations, local companies, and sponsors.   

Q.How can I apply to be a Student Ambassador?

A.To apply to be a Student Ambassador, please visit the City Futures Lab website and submit the online application form.

Q.What kind of training and support do Student Ambassadors receive?

A.Student Ambassadors receive training on the City Futures Lab's initiatives and goals, as well as guidance on how to organize events and engage with their campus communities and external network. They will also have access to a network of other ambassadors and lab staff for support and guidance.

To familiarize yourself with Futures Thinking, you are encouraged to enroll in this free EDx course (click here). You are also encouraged to study previous projects by students in City Futures Labs in Quezon City and Baguio City.

Q.What kind of events can Student Ambassadors organize?

A.Student Ambassadors can organize a variety of events such as workshops, seminars, and networking events to educate their peers on the City Futures Lab's initiatives. They can also participate in existing events and conferences to promote the City Futures Lab's mission.

Q. Are there any restrictions on the topics for events under the City Futures Lab?

A. City Futures Lab events and communication must be aligned to the mission, vision, and standards of the City Futures Lab. Events are organized to share emerging research and foster dialogue and mutual understanding on various aspects of the futures thinking, governance, and community development.

Events must be non-political and non-sectarian. No officer, member, or guest speaker should express opinions or make statements on controversial social, public policy, cultural, religious, or political issues in the name of the City Futures Lab. Student Ambassadors will not endorse or denounce any political organization, religious organization, social group, public official, or any other special interest organization.

Q.Are there any benefits to being a Student Ambassador?

A. Being a Student Ambassador provides an opportunity to gain leadership experience, network with experts in the field, and contribute to a sustainable ocean economy. Additionally, it can be a good addition to a resume or CV for anyone interested in pursuing a career in this field. It is possible that organizations the student ambassadors engage with will have some job openings, and your relationships as Student Ambassador can be an asset as you look for a job later on.  

Q. How do Student Ambassadors mobilize student organizations as partners of the City Futures Lab?

A. Mobilizing student organizations as partners of the City Futures Lab involves several steps:

1. Research: Research the different student organizations on campus and identify those that align with the City Futures Lab's mission and goals.

2. Introduction: Reach out to the student organizations and introduce the City Futures Lab and its mission. Provide information about the lab's initiatives and explain how they align with the student organization's priorities.

3. Schedule a meeting: Request a meeting with the student organizations to discuss potential areas of partnership.

4. Preparation: Prepare a proposal outlining specific areas of partnership and the potential benefits for both the City Futures Lab and the student organization.

5. Meeting: Attend the meeting and present the proposal. Be prepared to answer any questions the student organization may have and to discuss next steps.

6. Follow-up: After the meeting, follow up with the student organization to reiterate the points discussed and to confirm next steps.

7. Execution: Work together with the student organization to execute the agreed upon partnership.

8. Communication: Keep the student organization informed about the progress of the partnership and any new developments related to the City Futures Lab's initiatives.

It's important to remember that building a partnership with student organizations requires clear communication and cooperation. We should communicate the value of the City Futures Lab's initiatives, understand the student organization's concerns and priorities, and be transparent about the benefits for both parties. Additionally, it's important to establish clear roles and responsibilities for each party, and to establish regular communication and check-ins to ensure that the partnership is progressing smoothly.

Q. How do Student Ambassadors recruit faculty to be Teaching Fellows at the City Futures Lab?

A. Recruiting faculty to be Teaching Fellows at the City Futures Lab involves several steps:

1. Identify potential candidates: Identify faculty members on campus who have an interest in any discipline as applied at the city or community level.

2. Introduction: Reach out to potential candidates and introduce the City Futures Lab and its mission. Provide information about the lab's initiatives and explain the opportunity to be a Teaching Fellow.

3. Schedule a meeting: Request a meeting with potential candidates to discuss the opportunity in more detail and to answer any questions they may have.

4. Preparation: Prepare a detailed proposal outlining the benefits of the Teaching Fellow program, the expectations, the responsibilities and the compensation.

5. Meeting: Attend the meeting and present the proposal. Be prepared to answer any questions the potential candidates may have and to discuss next steps.

6. Follow-up: After the meeting, follow up with the potential candidates to reiterate the points discussed and to confirm next steps.

7. Execution: Work together with the selected Teaching Fellow to execute the agreed upon partnership.

8. Communication: Keep the Teaching Fellow informed about the progress of the partnership and any new developments related to the City Futures Lab's initiatives.

It's important to remember that building a partnership with faculty members requires clear communication and cooperation. We should communicate the value of the Teaching Fellow program and understand the faculty members' concerns and priorities, and be transparent about the benefits for both parties. Additionally, it's important to establish clear roles and responsibilities for each party and to establish regular communication and check-ins to ensure that the partnership is progressing smoothly.

Q. What is the role of student ambassador liaising with government agencies , youth leaders, and community organizations?

 A. As a Student Ambassador for the City Futures Lab, one of your roles may be to liaison with government agencies, youth leaders, and community organizations. This would involve establishing and maintaining relationships with these groups in order to promote the City Futures Lab's initiatives and goals, and to gain support for its programs and research.

In particular, you may be responsible for:

1. Identifying relevant government agencies and youth leaders who may be interested in supporting the City Futures Lab's initiatives.

2. Reaching out to these organizations and individuals to introduce the City Futures Lab and its mission, and to establish a dialogue about potential areas of collaboration.

3. Keeping the City Futures Lab informed about the activities and priorities of these organizations and leaders, and identifying opportunities for the lab to engage with them.

4. Assisting the City Futures Lab in organizing and participating in events and activities with government agencies, youth leaders, and community organizations.

5.  Act as a bridge between the City Futures Lab and the relevant community organizations and youth leaders to educate them on the initiatives and goals of the lab, and to gain support for its programs and research.

Q.What are steps in establishing collaboration with a municipal mayor?

Establishing collaboration with a municipal mayor involves several steps:

1. Research: Research the mayor's priorities and initiatives to see if they align with the City Futures Lab's mission and goals.

2. Introduction: Reach out to the mayor's office and introduce the City Futures Lab and its mission. Provide information about the lab's initiatives and explain how they align with the mayor's priorities.

3. Schedule a meeting: Request a meeting with the mayor to discuss potential areas of collaboration.

4. Preparation: Prepare a presentation or proposal outlining specific areas of collaboration and the potential benefits for the municipality.

5. Meeting: Attend the meeting and present the proposal or presentation. Be prepared to answer any questions the mayor may have and to discuss next steps.

6. Follow-up: After the meeting, follow up with the mayor's office to reiterate the points discussed and to confirm next steps.

7. Execution: Work together with the mayor's office to execute the agreed upon collaboration.

8. Communication: Keep the mayor's office informed about the progress of the collaboration and any new developments related to the City Futures Lab's initiatives.

It's important to keep in mind that building a relationship with a municipal mayor is a long-term process that requires patience, persistence, and a willingness to listen and learn about the mayor's priorities and challenges. Building trust and showing the value of the City Futures Lab's initiatives to the community are key to establishing a successful collaboration.

Q. What are the steps in establishing partnerships with socio-civic organizations like Rotary Club, Jaycees, Kiwanis, etc?

A. Establishing a partnership with socio-civic organizations include several steps:

1. Research: Research the Rotary Club's mission, priorities, and areas of focus and the personal interests and advocacies of its key officers. This will help you to understand how the City Futures Lab's initiatives align with the Rotary Club's goals and to identify potential areas of partnership.

2. Introduction: Reach out to the Rotary Club and introduce the City Futures Lab and its mission. Provide information about the lab's initiatives and explain how they align with the Rotary Club's priorities.

3. Schedule a meeting: Request a meeting with the Rotary Club to discuss potential areas of partnership.

4. Preparation: Prepare a proposal outlining specific areas of partnership and the potential benefits for both the City Futures Lab and the Rotary Club.

5. Meeting: Attend the meeting and present the proposal. Be prepared to answer any questions the Rotary Club may have and to discuss next steps.

6. Follow-up: After the meeting, follow up with the Rotary Club to reiterate the points discussed and to confirm next steps.

7. Execution: Work together with the Rotary Club to execute the agreed upon partnership.

8. Communication: Keep the Rotary Club informed about the progress of the partnership and any new developments related to the City Futures Lab's initiatives.

It's important to remember that building a partnership with socio-civic organizations like Rotary Club requires clear communication and cooperation. It's important to show the value of the City Futures Lab's initiatives and to understand the Rotary Club's concerns and priorities, and to be transparent about the benefits for both parties.