Have your say as part of an exciting new project: Can getting involved make you happy?

What's it all about?

Together with Monash University, the Inspire Foundation (www.inspire.org.au) is preparing to launch into an exciting study exploring the relationship between civic engagement and well-being. This is a really exciting project because it will help us to demonstrate that participation has a positive impact on mental health and wellbeing.The study will require participants to complete a survey 3 times over a period of 12 months. It is important that the survey content reflects young people's preferences and experiences, so we'd love your help, by participating in a focus group – either online or face to face.

How does it work?

ONLINE: Monday, 14 September and Tuesday, 15 September from 8pm–9.30pm online focus groups will be held via ActNow (www.actnow.com.au). If you register to participate in this group you will be sent a copy of the survey prior to the focus group, and during the group we will ask you lots of questions related to the survey and how you think it could be more suitable for young people.

1. Go to www.actnow.com.au and sign up as a member
   
2. Email justine@inspire.org.au and let her know what your username is
   
3. Justine will give you access to the online forum and email you back when this has been granted. She'll also send you a quick guide to using the forums
   
4. When the time comes for the online forum, go to www.actnow.com.au and join the discussion under 'Civic Engagement & Well-Being'

FACE TO FACE: Sydney or Melbourne on Monday, 14 September, 5pm–7pm!
Participate in a face to face focus group in either Sydney or Melbourne. Once again we will be asking you lots of questions about how YOU think the survey could be improved and made better for young people. We will also ask for your advice on surrounding documents, such as information statements and consent forms.

To be part of it, please email Justine or ring her on 02 8585 9318 and we'll register you for a face to face workshop (and send you the details etc)!

For young people involved in both online & face to face groups, if you're keen there will be an opportunity for some of you to keep working with us into the future!