The Future of Forest Work and Communities was founded in 2015 in response to the global crisis and challenge of youth out-migration from communities who are on the front lines of forest stewardship. The initiative brought together diverse practitioners and researchers. It is dedicated to understanding and engaging with the relationship between forest communities and livelihoods, global culture, and the long-term role of forests on our planet. Founding contributors included Pilot Projects Design Collective, Forests and Livelihoods - Research, Assessment and Engagement (FLARE), researchers at the University of Saskatchewan, University of Manitoba, and the Ford Foundation. Members of the core team developed a multi-day workshop methodology to engage young people in conversations about their lives, ideas, and visions for the future.

The two to three-day Youth Visioning Workshops, held in remote forest communities, aim to engage young people in meaningful discussions about their futures in forest-based work. These workshops use participatory research methods to foster dialogue, mutual learning, and empowerment. They are designed to gather diverse perspectives and co-create innovative solutions for sustainable livelihoods.

The Future of Forest Work and Communities has supported 18 workshops in 10 countries across 4 continents and are actively looking for new communities and partners.