1. The quickest source of information is the web site: www.bigconversation.org.uk. The idea is that people - absolutely anyone - can have their say on what they think the big issues facing Britain are, and say how they should be tackled. People can give their views online, by text, by email, via the post or in a face-to-face meeting. A document sets out a series of questions. But there are other stimulations too. The web site gives plenty of opinions that can spark further comment. And there are chances to see politicians grilled live online, and to contribute questions for them to answer.
2. Be straight with young people about what is likely to happen. This is important for this and for all consultations. Don't encourage anyone to think that the process offers more than it will actually deliver. The Prime Minister has said he thinks his job is to lead, and he doesn't have a reverse gear. So don't suggest that policy will suddenly change just because a majority of contributors to Big Conversation said they wanted it. The official line is that the contributions will feed into Labour's policymaking forums. At best, that is a slow, evolutionary process.
3. Be clear that the initiative is a party one, not from the Government. And even members of the Labour Party have been rude about it. Lord Hattersley, a party grandee, has called the process a confidence trick. But he still says it is worth doing, because it is important that MPs listen to others.
4. Sharpen your discussion-raising skills. Push young people to get focused and look deeper. Most people want better schools and hospitals, safer neighbourhoods and an end to poverty. But how do you bring it about? What are we prepared to give up to achieve these things? What are the limitations and downsides of young people's own ideas? If they cannot think of any, ask others who might.
5. Think of the whole process as an educational one. By getting involved, young people get the chance to come face-to-face with ideas and with politicians. They can explore how politics works, how decisions are made, what compromises are involved: all the detail of real politics. Most people are agreed that so-called apathy happens when young people are alienated from the process. Text messaging might make young people feel more at home.
6. Don't stop with the Labour Party and its conversation. There are other political parties young people can talk to. Send the same ideas to them and see what they have to say. Engage with them directly. Once you've had your say, start talking about how young people can influence decisions locally. It is a logical step from talk to action.
