SPEAKING
One of the most important skills to develop is the ability to describe what SPEAK is as quickly
and concisely as possible, to any audience, with scarcely any warning. This skill only comes with
practice, even the Network Support Team regularly have training sessions where they have to
describe what SPEAK is within a few seconds.
You never know when someone will turn to you and say “So what is SPEAK?” Normally you
have their attention span for less than a minute before they switch off. It’s important to
communicate that SPEAK is something important and relevant to them in those first few
seconds so they’ll ask further questions and develop into a proper conversation.
There is no set answer to the question “What is SPEAK?” It means different things to different
people. But that’s part of the beauty of being a Network rather than an organization; a Network
where people can get involved and continue to grow and form the areas they are passionate
about.
Here are some common pointers to familiarize yourself with. All are true, but not all would be
interesting or relevant to everybody. The trick is picking out which ones would interest the
person you are talking to. Feel free to add your own… what is SPEAK to you?
SPEAK is a Network of mostly students and younger adults that campaign and pray against
issues of global injustice.
There are SPEAK groups and individuals across the country (and internationally) all working
together for a fairer world.
SPEAK was formed by a group of Christian students asking why others weren’t doing much to
address the big social and economic injustices in the world (things like sweat-shops, third-world
debt and international trade rules being biased towards the richest nations and corporations).
We take our name from the Bible verse “SPEAK up for those who cannot speak for
themselves.” (Proverbs 31:8-9)
The Bible is full of verses which talk about God’s heart for justice. As Christians, we cannot
ignore injustice and look the other way.
Every choice we make, everything we buy or do has an impact on people in the global South.
But most of the time we just don’t think about it.
Going on protest marches and caring about the environment means that we have a lot in
common with many activists who wouldn’t be seen dead in a church. This is a great opportunity
to share our lives, and what motivates our campaigns.
It’s about intentional community, and a lifestyle that cares about other people, even those
living thousands of miles away.
SPEAK Network Ltd. is registered in England and Wales no. 3922047
SPEAK Trust is a registered charity no. 1112979