Activism in Your Community
SPEAK OUTS
An event in which people publicly share their personal experiences or their views of a social issue. A Speak Out on Living in a Woman’s Body addresses the impact of visual images, the impact of dieting, the pressures to look a certain way, the need for a new visual culture, etc. Some decide to hold the event for women only; some open it to men as well. Some appeal to different age groups.
UK Endangered Bodies team holding a SpeakOut at UK Feminista's conference, November 2011
Prior to the Event:
*Select a venue as convenient as possible to assure good attendance.
*Time limit the event (approximately 2 hours).
*Advertise the event using invitations, flyers, posters and social media.
*Select a facilitator who will introduce, oversee, and close the Speak Out.
Day of event:
The facilitator explains the format and purpose of the speak out:
*This event provides a safe space where people can share their experiences about the topic at hand.
*A brief introduction to the topic.
*People come to a microphone and speak their experience, mind, and heart and it is useful to limit the time of speaking to 3 to 4 minutes.
*It is helpful to have a couple of moments of silence following each speaker to allow time to reflect on what has been said.
*The emphasis is on listening. There is no dialogue from the audience when a speaker is at the microphone nor is there any applause.
*The facilitator’s closing remarks have the goal of acknowledging the courage of everyone in attendance, those who spoke, the contribution of those who listened, the pain that was expressed, and the power and inspiration of this community forum.
*Have resources available if people are looking for or needing further support.
*Have a literature table.
*Contact us at [email protected] if you have further questions.
