Our Workshops
At the heart of our workshops lies a commitment to empowering young people through meaningful participation and collaboration. Whether you’re a professional working with youth or passionate about creating positive change, our workshops will equip you with innovative strategies and practical tools for engaging young minds.
Our highly engaging young people’s participation workshops are designed and facilitated by Dr Zazie Bowen, who has over 15 years research and teaching experience in childhood and youth studies and the anthropology of childhood preceded by over a decade of of professional experience working with children and in education. The engaging workshops introduce transformative strengths-based approaches to collaborating with young people and practical considerations of challenges we will likely encounter.
30 Minute Workshop
Introduction to Young People’s Participation
Objectives:
- Define youth participation and its core principles.
- Highlight the immediate benefits for young people’s well-being.
- Introduce the concept of intergenerational collaboration and its significance.
- This workshop can be customised to suit your organisation or specific needs.
90 Minute Workshop
The Connection Between Participation and Wellbeing
We face a global mental health crisis where adverse childhood experiences are a significant cause. In response, there is now widespread implementation of early intervention through school-based wellbeing and social and emotional learning programs. This workshop explores the vital role of young people’s participation and sense of belonging in fostering wellbeing in childhood and youth.
Objectives:
- Understand the importance of early years wellbeing interventions
- Understand the scope and goals of these initiatives
- Learn about the research evidence that links young people’s participation to greater wellbeing
- Analyse relevant case studies
- Explore wellbeing through a cultural perspective
- Develop strategies for integrating participatory wellbeing into education and community programs
3 Hour Workshop
Transformative Futures: Building Intergenerational Partnerships for Social Justice and Well-Being
This extensive workshop will provide a deep dive into the multifaceted benefits of intergenerational collaboration using futures foresight approaches. Participants will explore the impact of youth participation on social justice, community development, and the environment. The session will include interactive activities, discussions, and futures foresight planning to foster meaningful intergenerational partnerships.
Objectives:
- Analyze the role of youth participation in advancing social justice and community well-being.
- Examine how intergenerational collaboration can address environmental and social issues.
- Develop actionable strategies for fostering effective partnerships between generations.
- This workshop can be customised to suit your organisation or specific needs.
90 Minute Workshop
Designing Spaces for the Future: Involving Young People in Planning and Design
This workshop will delve into the practical aspects of including young people in the design of spaces and projects. Participants will explore how involving children and young people can enhance the functionality and inclusivity of environments, and how this collaboration can benefit both the young people and the wider community.
Objectives:
- Understand the principles of inclusive design and the role of young people in this process.
- Explore case studies where youth involvement has transformed spaces.
- Develop strategies for integrating young people’s perspectives into design projects.
- This workshop can be customised to suit your organisation or specific needs.
Custom Workshop:
Tailored Young People’s Participation Workshop
This fully customisable workshop is designed to meet the unique needs of your organisation. Whether you are looking for a short introductory session or an in-depth multi-day program, our facilitators will work with you to develop content that aligns with your specific objectives. This workshop focuses on empowering young people and fostering intergenerational collaboration in a way that supports your goals. With flexible durations and topics, this workshop can be adapted to suit various sectors, including education, community development, and policy-making.
Objectives:
- Tailor learning outcomes to the needs of your organisation and participants.
- Explore practical strategies for increasing young people’s participation in your specific context.
- Collaboratively design actionable steps for fostering long-term youth engagement.
- Equip participants with tools for integrating youth voices into ongoing projects and decision-making processes.
This workshop is flexible in format, duration, and scope, and is ideal for organisations seeking a deeper and more specific engagement with young people.