we imagine and practice

BETTER FUTURES

rooted in justice, care,

and collective abundance

Department of Imaginary Affairs (DIA) is a movement-rooted consultancy and learning lab. We work with communities, organizations, and systems to imagine and practice more just, caring, and abundant ways of living today.

we imagine and practice

BETTER FUTURES

rooted in justice, care, and collective abundance

Department of Imaginary Affairs (DIA) is a movement-rooted consultancy and learning lab. We work with communities, organizations, and systems to imagine and practice more just, caring, and abundant ways of living today.

Our Movement

Why We Exist

The Department of Imaginary Affairs exists because the futures we need haven’t been imagined yet and imagination itself is a practice that can be cultivated, shared, and wielded for liberation.

“I’ve never been good at waiting for permission. So we built the thing we needed to see in the world.”

– Jennifer Chan, Founder & CEO

Learn About our Movement
Vision & Mission

We imagine and build worlds where all beings can thrive, move freely, and belong fully.

Philosophy & Approach

Rooted in liberation, informed by migration studies, animated by collective dreaming.

Our Evolution

From nonprofit to movement—tracing our journey toward more emergent, distributed forms.

Land Acknowledgement

We practice on stolen land and honor the ongoing resistance of Indigenous peoples.

Transparency & Reports

Open books, shared learnings, and honest reflections on our work and impact.

Our WORK

Featured Initiatives

Each project is an experiment in collective imagination—a practice for new ways of being.

Invitations to Better Worlds

Facilitated spaces where communities imagine and articulate the futures they want to inhabit together.

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The Stories of Us

A storytelling initiative that honors migration narratives and the wisdom held in journeys taken.

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F(un)dable Futures

A practice-based inquiry into who decides what gets funded in the social impact sector — and what becomes possible when we think differently about resources and power.

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Project Archive

Every project we have taken on has been an experiment in what becomes possible when imagination meets practice. This archive is our honest record of that work.

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Ways to Engage

Work With Us

Whether you’re an organization seeking transformation or an individual on a personal journey, there’s a pathway into this work.

For Organizations

We can help your organization to transform how your organization navigates change, builds belonging, and imagines futures.

We can help your organization to transform how your organization navigates change, builds belonging, and imagines futures.

Research

Collaborative research on migration, belonging, and organizational transformation.

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Strategy

Strategic guidance on culture change, DEI initiatives, and transition support.

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Facilitation

Skilled facilitation for retreats, planning sessions, and difficult conversations.

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Not sure where to start?

Schedule a Discovery Call

For Individuals

We can help your organization to transform how your organization navigates change, builds belonging, and imagines futures.

We can help your organization to transform how your organization navigates change, builds belonging, and imagines futures.

Coaching

One-on-one support for navigating major life transitions with intention.

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Professional Development

Structured learning journeys through the core skills for professional skill-building.

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Community of Practice

Immersive experiences for skill-building and community connection.

Learn More

Not sure where to start?

Schedule a Discovery Call

Custom Collaborations & Partnerships

Co-create with us. We’re always seeking aligned partners for projects that push boundaries.

Co-create with us. We’re always seeking aligned partners for projects that push boundaries.

Systems Transformation

Explore how we might work together on initiatives that serve the movement.

Learn More

Equitable Futures

Multi-year partnerships with foundations, universities, and cultural institutions.

Learn More

Social Impact

Artist collaborations, installations, and experimental public programs.

Learn More

Not sure where to start?

Schedule a Discovery Call

Ways to Engage

Work With Us

Whether you’re an organization seeking transformation or an individual on a personal journey, there’s a pathway into this work.

For Organizations

We can help your organization to transform how your organization navigates change, builds belonging, and imagines futures.

Research

Collaborative research on migration, belonging, and organizational transformation.

Learn More

Strategy

Strategic guidance on culture change, DEI initiatives, and transition support.

Learn More

Facilitation

Skilled facilitation for retreats, planning sessions, and difficult conversations.

Learn More

Not sure where to start?

Schedule a Discovery Call

For Individuals

We can help your organization to transform how your organization navigates change, builds belonging, and imagines futures.

Coaching

One-on-one support for navigating major life transitions with intention.

Learn More

Professional Development

Structured learning journeys through the core skills for professional skill-building.

Learn More

Community of Practice

Immersive experiences for skill-building and community connection.

Learn More

Not sure where to start?

Schedule a Discovery Call

Custom Collaborations & Partnerships

Co-create with us. We’re always seeking aligned partners for projects that push boundaries.

Systems Transformation

Explore how we might work together on initiatives that serve the movement.

Learn More

Equitable Futures

Multi-year partnerships with foundations, universities, and cultural institutions.

Learn More

Social Impact

Artist collaborations, installations, and experimental public programs.

Learn More

Not sure where to start?

Schedule a Discovery Call

Knowledge hub

Deepen Your Practice

Resources for every stage of the journey—from curious newcomers to seasoned practitioners.

Resources for every stage of the journey—from curious newcomers to seasoned practitioners.

Free

Free Resources

Open-access meditations, prompts, and introductory materials to begin your practice.

15 + free resources

Explore

Free

Essays & Reflections

Post-project learnings, theoretical explorations, and practitioner reflections.

35 + insights

Explore

Paid

Paid Courses

In-depth learning journeys through each core skill, with live support and community.

Coming Soon!

Explore

Free

Network of Practitioners

We have never been able to find a list of Social Innovation Practitioners, so we created one.

2 + practitioners

Explore

Paid

Toolkits & Templates

Practical frameworks, ritual blueprints, and facilitation guides for your own practice.

1 + toolkits

Explore

Free

Recorded Talks

Past presentations, workshops, and conversations from our public programs.

13 + talks

Explore

Looking for something specific?

Our resource library is always growing. Tell us what you need and we’ll help you find it.

Our resource library is always growing. Tell us what you need and we’ll help you find it.

Request a Resource

Announcments & Insights

What is New at DIA

We move slowly and intentionally — but when something is worth sharing, you’ll find it here. Events, updates, and invitations as they emerge.

We move slowly and intentionally — but when something is worth sharing, you’ll find it here. Events, updates, and invitations as they emerge.

Insights & Thoughts
Announcements

Connect

Let’s Talk

We believe in slow correspondence and thoughtful connection. Reach out and we’ll respond with care.

We believe in slow correspondence and thoughtful connection. Reach out and we’ll respond with care.