Is It Worth The Risk?
It can be scary to speak up for yourself, but “Nothing will change until the unsaid is spoken.”
Watch the video and have a discussion with your class or someone you know. Below, there are some suggested questions or writing prompts.
What I love most about what I do is hearing about students applying the message to their own lives. It makes me happy to see students start making better choices and advocating for themselves.
One thing I talked about with a group of students recently was, “Nothing will change until the unsaid is spoken.” If you have a problem, but you are unwilling to say anything about it nothing will ever change. You have to speak up.
“Nothing will change until the unsaid is spoken.”
If you are not willing to risk anything, you are risking everything.
Sometimes you have to speak up for yourself even when you don’t know what the outcome will be.
Be assertive, but not aggressive. Speak with respect and kindness, but say something.
Speaking up for yourself is a very important skill to have for your whole life.
Questions for discussion and writing prompts:
What do you think of the quote: “Nothing will change until the unsaid is spoken.” Do you agree or disagree and why?
Are you afraid to speak up for yourself? Why or why not?
Are you afraid to speak up for others? Why or why not?
Is it easier for you to speak up for yourself or for others? Why do you think that is?
Is there something in your life right now that you need to speak up about? Think of someone you can share that with.
What does assertive mean? What does aggressive mean?
Do you think you can speak up for yourself without being aggressive?
