Book excerpt: The World Future Society is an independent, nonprofit, scientific and educational organization concerned with how people will live in the coming decades. Founded in 1966, the Society currently has over 25,000 members worldwide. Individuals and groups from all nations are eligible to join the Society and participate in its programs and activities. The Society publishes a number of periodicals and books, sponsors local chapters, and holds conferences and assemblies. The publications include THE FUTURIST, a bimonthly magazine reporting trends, forecasts, and ideas about the future; FUTURE SURVEY, a monthly digest of abstracts of futures-relevant literature; and FUTURES RESEARCH QUARTERLY, a professional journal providing information on more technical future-oriented topics. The Society also maintains a unique bookstore that enables members to purchase future-related books, cassette recordings of Society conference sessions, videocassettes, and more, all at special member prices. Chapters of the World Future Society are active in both the United States and abroad. Chapters offer speakers, educational courses, seminars, and other opportunities for members in local areas to meet and work together. World Future Society conferences and general assemblies provide opportunities to hear and meet many outstanding thinkers. The Society's next major conference will be held in Washington, B.C., in August 1989.