Opportunity Spaces (33)

Opportunities help determine the possible paths to the future that are available to people. Hence the opportunities that society offers are of critical importance. An Opportunity Space presents possible steps that people might take as they plan for, and move into, the future. Opportunities can include classes and seminars, volunteer positions, jobs, contests, access to the media, timely announcements, mentoring, scholarships, grants and others. A number of questions came up in our exploration of opportunity spaces. What opportunities exist? Do they exist for all citizens or just privileged ones? How are these opportunities developed? Do people know about them? How are they publicized? It is important to devote attention and resources (including policy, services, media and technological systems) to help create new (and improve existing) "opportunity spaces" for people and communities who need them.

Goals to Be Met

1. Volunteers

Opportunity spaces rely on entities providing or aiding with future possibilities. Players can provide volunteer opportunities. With this shared vision card, when a player gives volunteers to another player to develop property, they have amnesty three times on rent payments.

2. Money

Opportunity also relies on equity. So whatever payments normally go to the bank go to the middle of the board instead. It serves as a grant for whoever lands on Free Parking.

3. Buildings

If everybody has equitable opportunities, all the neighborhoods should develop. All players must develop at least one property.

4. Trees

Lastly, opportunity spaces rely on a feedback loop. Each side of the board must develop a garden to create a space where people can meet to create new opportunities.

Text: Douglas Schuler