Parents and teens have many ‘debates’ about freedom and responsibility. Often heated discussions can range from what is appropriate to wear; who they hang out with; what rules are fair; and what behaviour is expected of them.

Teen Start-Up: People Power is an innovation competition for teens aged 11-18 years taking place on the 22-24 January 2018 at the Museum of Australian Democracy (MoAD). It draws on many of the issues that teens are grappling with, relating them back to the values underpinning Australian democracy such as freedom of assembly; freedom of speech and expression; and the rule of law. Teens are challenged to look at their own values and imagine how they could make the world a better place by re-thinking how we practice democracy in Australia.

The 3-day innovation competition is delivered by local innovation consultancy, Lighthouse Business Innovation Centre. Over the 3 days, students are taken through the innovation development process from idea to execution. Students work together in teams or individually to come up with an idea for a product or service that they believe provides a solution to a problem their generation will face in the future, including:

• the role of social media in elections, spreading political ideas, relaying community service announcements during disasters and mobilising support for aid relief;
• the role technology can play in the delivery of government services from voting online to the universal access to medical records;
• how we access our politicians;
• the role the media plays in ensuring transparency;
• the role citizens can play in setting Government priorities, co-designing Government programs and helping with their delivery (e.g. Citizen Science projects);
• how we can harness civic and government data to better meet constituent’s needs (e.g. reporting local problems);
• the role community-driven, bottom up endeavours and connections can play to ensure all voices are heard; and
• the role of civic hackers in identifying ways to provide public services more effectively and efficiently than Government can do alone.

The event concludes with the students pitching their concepts to a panel of judges. Students will have the opportunity to meet with local entrepreneurs; people involved in the political process; and subject matter experts. They will also enjoy a facilitated learning program at the Museum of Australian Democracy to inspire their thinking. In the program students will explore what democracy means and how citizens have participated in active citizenship. They will also explore the historic chambers where political debates and decisions were made. MoAD is proud to provide an opportunity for 10 sponsored places for attendance at this event.

For more information visit https://www.teenstartupcamp.com.au/