6.1 Start with the space, not the topic

The success of a political conversation with young people often depends less on the topic and more on the setting. The most meaningful discussions happen when young people feel safe, respected, and relaxed – especially in spaces they already know and trust. You don’t need to be a political expert. What matters most is creating an environment where young people feel comfortable sharing what they think, feel and know, without pressure or judgement.

Think about:

• The tone you set – informal, open, curious.
• Using familiar routines – like sitting in a circle, sharing food, or doing a check-in.
• Creating space to reflect – no pressure to have the ‘right’ answer, just space to be heard.