It’s Cool to Care: Why Investing in Young People is Key to Building a More Hopeful Future

When I think about the future, I feel lots of things.

I feel excited about the opportunities that are unfolding ahead. I feel curious when I consider the different pathways that may arise, and I feel hopeful that when people come together that we can build futures that we’re excited to step into.

But of course, at the same time, I often feel very nervous. In a world that feels like it’s being upended, trying to feel okay, let alone thrive, can feel like a challenge. I feel nervous that we’re not doing enough to respond to the moment we’re in, and not enough to imagine bolder and more beautiful versions of what’s possible.

I feel incredibly lucky to get to work with young people who show me so many reasons to be hopeful, and showcase a window into a future that I’d love to be living in.

When I think about the future, I can imagine a world in which people feel socially connected and valued. A world where they can authentically and creatively express themselves. A place where people feel a sense of awe in being connected to something bigger than themselves and are excited to make their mark where they care most.

I can imagine a world in which we’re thinking beyond the current models and envisioning new models, systems and practice. A world in which we can connect across traditional boundaries to find solutions that meet the needs of all, and a world in which we’re prepared to do new — not letting the weight of history hold us back but being propelled forward into action with an inspired vision of what could be done.

I can imagine a world in which societies are tapping into the wisdom and brilliance of young people in ways that will revitalise our economies, environment, and communities.

When I imagine this future, there are two gaps I currently see.

1. A crisis of care.
2. A lack of investment where it truly matters.

Throughout my work with CIC, I’ve been fortunate enough to work with thousands of young people over the better part of 3 years. This engagement with young people on the ground has shown the remarkable power that care and passion have in shaping someone’s life.

When people (young or less young) have something that they care about, it becomes both an anchor that grounds their purpose, and a springboard which launches them into action.

For some, it’s caring about the things in their personal life. A hobby, their friends, a part-time job, or a dream for their future.

In some of our programs, identifying what these things might be helps lay the foundation to step into personal agency — the belief that you can shape your world. We talk about the importance of leading where you care most, creating your recipe for a life well lived to provide structure in a changing workforce, and using tech in ways that boost and enrich the things you care about.

Finding ‘what makes your heart sing’ is the first part of care.

Sometimes, this may look like bigger issues facing the world. We often use ‘passion statements’ to help young people identify what it is that matters to them.

• “I am passionate about protecting local wildlife and ecosystems.”
• “It is important to me that women’s health is taken seriously.”
• “I care about providing support for people experiencing homelessness.”

In our Social Innovators programs, this is the starting point for young people to generate bold and inspired products, services, and programs that enrich the lives of their fellow citizens, as well as ‘Smart Start Experiments’ that are actionable ways to make a difference in their community.

In this program, we say “it’s one thing to care about an issue, but another to step up and make a difference”. My favourite part of this program is that young people pitch their ideas to a panel of community partners at the end who provide feedback on how the idea could be extended, and enhanced, as well as suggestions for who to collaborate with when bringing it to life. This shifts the program from being an academic exercise, into something that feels real.

We always hear that having community partners dedicate time to attend these pitch events showcases or reinforces to young people that they can be influential in shaping the communities they live in. Care is best when shared, and this is best done in community.

These programs provide me with seeds of hope for what can happen when young people lead with deep care and a passion for what’s possible.

Yet, at the same time, I’ve learned that the most common barrier young people face when stepping up to lead, is the fear of what others might think.

Each time we hear a young person wear their heart on their sleeve and share what matters to them, we are creating the conditions for more to do the same. But this requires a movement of people who believe it’s cool to care. And a community of people willing to back those who are prepared to step up.

The second gap I see is that lack of investment where it truly matters.

Investing in young people does more than just benefit young people. These are the people who will be shaping our future. The people who will be driving the economy — our future doctors, bus drivers, climate scientists, parents, carers, change-makers.

Whilst we have incredibly dedicated schools and educators who are tirelessly trying to tackle the challenges of the present to set young people up for success, there is more that can be done outside the education system.

Opportunities where young people feel hopeful, develop personal agency, and develop the capacities to navigate the future are crucial.

As we hear from educators, when a student learns to believe in themselves, they flourish academically and socially in exponential ways. We see this in the work we do.

After our programs, the young people are lit up and want more. They’re buzzing to bring their ideas to life in their community, and work with local groups and business leaders to shape the future of their region. And we’re always looking for partners to support with the enablement of this.

Over the years, we have collated close to one thousand bold and inspired ideas that will improve the lives of community members, as well as the smart places to start, as designed by young people.

Young people want to lead change. Whether it’s through efforts to replace gambling advertisements on sporting jerseys with those that raise awareness for women’s health challenges like endometriosis, collaborating with marine biologists and engineers to design sensors that can better monitor the ecosystem in times of extreme weather, or design solutions that reduce the stigma of homelessness and foster a better sense of community where people are more comfortable seeking support.

These young people need coaching and opportunities to nurture the skills that are required to make a real impact. There’s real appetite, and when this can be fed we will all be better off.

Yet, there are barriers still in place for participation. This ability to build a future we’re all excited to step into shouldn’t just fall on those who have traditionally been responsible for educating the next generation.

There is a huge opportunity for councils, corporates, and local businesses to invest in building a more beautiful future together.

We are already working with so many wonderful partners who understand this. Partners who can provide funding for regional students to participate in ‘Future Ready’ programs where they can explore the future world of work and design their pathway towards a life well lived. Corporates who understand that providing young people with enterprise skills will be fundamental to ensuring the upcoming workforce is equipped with the required capacities in this period of AI transformation. Councils who are passionate about incorporating the voices of young people into their strategies to better shape the future of their place.

Imagine the benefits that will flow once we better activate Australia’s next pipeline of leaders who lead with deep care, a healthy tolerance for uncertainty, and bold visions for better futures.

The ripple effects of a movement of young Aussies who feel like it’s cool to care.

Imagine a future where young people are revitalising communities through savvy and skilful experiments that showcase new and novel solutions to our biggest challenges.

Learning to tap into the deep care, wisdom, and brilliance of young people is going to transform our worlds in ways we can only begin to imagine.

That’s why I feel hopeful.