Identifying the best tools and strategies for developing the will, skill and habits necessary for being seen and heard is an essential step for any citizen in a democratic community.
Exercising one’s right to free speech responsibly, honestly and with clarity; always speaking out on matters of conscience; asking for and responding to feedback; and balancing advocacy with inquiry are skills that must be taught, coached, cultivated and modeled in an atmosphere of supportive expectations before they can become habits of being. Schools must therefore be intentional about the ways they provide young people with opportunities to become skilled, responsible communicators and advocates for the issues that matter most to them.
