Each year people all over Australia come together for the Tasmanian youth forum. A place to discuss key topics of concern for young people. MoHow was first engaged 12 years ago to facilitate an appreciative enquiry into the key topics which concern the future of Tasmania. This approach involves asking the youth of Tasmania what their vision for the future of Tasmania is. Only then is it possible to determine what stands in the way of this vision, and the steps required to overcome these challenges.

These topics of concern ranged from post COVID Tasmania to the future of mental health in Tasmania. After MoHow was first engaged, we have been a part of the forum every year, allowing us to have a long-term view of the appreciative enquiry process. It feels like a somewhat unique opportunity for the genuine voice of young people to be heard. This is amplified as after the forum discussions have been held, key points of discussion are forwarded to Government ministers. Making it a key tool to facilitate the exchange of ideas and vision between young people and the Government.

This approach brings up broader questions around the strength of the appreciative enquiry process. In the 12 years MoHow has been working on the project, the appreciative enquiry process has stayed the same. Perhaps reflecting the robustness of simply asking people, what do you want? An approach often forgotten when it comes to youth engagement. Because how could anyone but the youth themselves know what they want.