TAS Generate 2012 by Jack Welsh

Tas Generate has had a remarkable journey in the last two years.

It was first run in Tas in 2011, with four of the brightest from that year going on to run it in 2012, along with a rookie on the Generate scene, yours truly, on board as the fourth facilitator.

I can’t compare this group too much with last year’s, but I can definitely talk about how impressive Tasmania’s 2012 Generators are, and how far those fine folk have come.

From being an enthusiastic, eager bunch, a little wet behind the ears, and with a healthy dose of scepticism about the journey this kooky facilitation team were about to take them on, to the now educated, committed and capable team of change makers.

We definitely can’t claim it all, as they always were an intelligent bunch that were destined for great things, but I am definitely very proud of the result of Tasmania’s second Generate program.

The first semester saw the Generators gaining development knowledge and increasing their confidence, skills, and group bond through the public speaking master class/game show and other such enjoyable activities.

They got planning their first big event, the Tas Generate Live Below the Line Barrel, and despite its share of setbacks, I was thrilled to see the raging success it was, and consequent swagger the Generators acquired when they had just a small glimpse of what they were capable of.

As the end of semester drew near, we focused on skills such as time management and goal setting which would serve them well with not only their Generate work and subsequent activism, but also with the pointy end of the uni semester.

The mid year retreat came and went. A style of retreat that only a crew of Andy Millhouse, Molly Ferrier, Sophie Moore, Rohan Nanthakumar and lucky me could pull off, and the Generators were amped for round two.

This is where we had a venue change, feedback was taken on board and we upped the ante. Better knowledge, more skills, and we encouraged their development through Generate Plus and running more Food For Thought – there was no stopping these guys.

Group projects were planned with unanticipated passion and ability, and some really high quality events went down (and at time of writing, are still happening!).

We wrapped up the year with a fun session featuring a staged surprise dance to Thriller.

Tas Generate 2012 has been one of the most impressive groups I have had the pleasure of being part of.

I can’t wait to see what this lot get up to, and have no doubt that the world ain’t seen nothing yet when it comes to this group of dedicated, effective agents of change from the lil’ island.

Keep an eye out all ; )

by Jack Welsh – Tas Generate Facilitator