The Heard – E.C.F

Every voice matters, let it be Heard.

At ECF, we’re passionate about supporting the next generation of change-makers. We believe that real innovation happens when learning goes beyond the classroom, which is why we proudly support university students through internships, mentorship and opportunities to turn bold ideas into tangible impact.

Caitlin Brooks, a former ECF intern who recently returned to ECF, stepping into a Project Coordinator role following her graduation, explored a compelling question as part of her university studies in Creative Intelligence and Innovation: How can we catalyse political engagement among young Australians?

Turning fear into action

It’s more than just political rhetoric. True engagement speaks to connection, curiosity and community.

For younger voters, many of whom are casting their ballot for the first time, it’s about creating space for meaningful conversations. Social engagement becomes a vital tool for driving interest, sparking dialogue, and helping young Australians make sense of complex issues shaping their futures.

Young people remain under-represented in political spaces. So, my teammates and I came to the important realisation that the first step towards engaging them politically is to give them the ability to speak up and be heard. Having meaningful conversations about the complex issues they care about; abortion, the housing crisis, climate change, and inequality, lays a foundation, shaping their futures and helping to build awareness, critical thinking skills and, most importantly, confidence. And with confidence comes agency.

But one of the most significant barriers to confidence?

Fear.

Fear of being judged.
Fear of saying the wrong thing.
Fear of standing out, especially when opinions differ from those of peers.

To safeguard the future of our democracy, we need a paradigm shift: one that reframes engagement not just as being politically informed, but as being curious, confident and connected. Where interest in social issues creates a ripple effect, inspiring action at the ballot box and beyond.

So… how do we turn fear into action?

The power of conversation

The Heard is a grassroots movement empowering young people aged 18-25 to engage in open, meaningful discussions on the issues that matter most to them. In a climate dominated by divisive rhetoric, The Heard redefines communication by championing the belief that every voice holds value. Recognising that real change starts from the ground up, we focused on one key first step: fostering open, inclusive conversations.

The Heard’s conversation framework is a tool designed to empower young people to have open, respectful and meaningful conversations about the social issues that matter most. The framework breaks down into six practical, easy-to-follow sections, aiming to equip participants with the confidence, skills and tools to discuss politics and personal values without fear of judgement:

Ground rules: set clear expectations to create a respectful, safe space for open conversation.
Icebreaker: self-introduction and state the purpose to ease into dialogue comfortably
Open-ended prompts: start with personal values before moving to facts, building understanding first.
Monitor & evaluate: empathetic listening and reflection over debate, promoting deeper insight without the goal of “winning” the debate.
Empirical prompts: bring in facts, evidence and data to support well-rounded discussion.
Next steps: reflect on shared insights, acknowledge diverse views and explore how to keep the conversation going.

The goal? To build a collaborative, self-driven youth community that champions the issues they care about without needing political capital or deep pockets. Traditionally, influence comes with resources. But we envision something different. The strength of The Heard’s framework lies in its simplicity. It can be easily replicated across diverse stakeholder groups, helping young people engage meaningfully without barriers.

At the heart of it all is a belief in the power of curiosity and confidence. When young people are equipped to speak up, they don’t just participate; they lead. And together, they can drive lasting, impactful change.