PART 2
HOW TO SPEAK OUT
If you do not speak for yourself, others will likely speak for you. This has a particular history for women, who in their public and private lives often had others advocate for or against them, without allowing them to be part of the conversation at all, either by law or social convention. Now that women can get into those rooms and spaces, can be part of those conversations, those who are able to should. Take up that space. Speak out. Participate. And do it in your own way.
There are different ways to ‘speak out’, and not all of them make a sound. Some people express themselves, or ‘speak out’ in ways that do not use any forms of formal speech – through art, photography, film, music or through their bodies in the form of dance or other expressions. Others, like myself, often speak out through their writing, in the form of books, blogs, online posts or articles, opinion pieces and journalism (see Chapter 5 on writing). Still others use formal language that is not spoken. In Australia, for example, about one in six people have hearing loss, and tens of thousands use Auslan (Australian sign language). Protests are a powerful form of speech, and likewise craftivism [activism centered on practices of craft] or other forms of political expression.
Your speaking out may be a part of your professional work, or as part of not-for-profit fundraising and advocacy. It may be a primary focus of your time and energy, or it may take a smaller role. I recommend you focus on the mediums and methods that most inspire you. I also recommend that you begin by using your existing experience and knowledge, and then stay open to what other forms you might engage in.