SPEAK! Activist Network FAQ

Application Deadline: January 31st, 2023

Q: What is the SPEAK! Activist Network?

Q: What is the workload/time commitment during Part 1?

Q: What is the workload/time commitment during Part 2?

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A: The SPEAK! Activist Network is a program for budding youth activists to advocate for more diverse books in classrooms and libraries, and fight against book bans. SPEAK! Activists will complete a course to immerse themselves in the movement, participate in monthly calls with the SPEAK! Network, and plan and execute a campaign for the freedom to read.

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A: During part 1, you will be responsible for completing the SPEAK! Activism Course. The work will be done asynchronously, but we encourage you to spend about 1-2 hours per week on coursework. You will also be attending monthly SPEAK! Network meetings, where you'll discuss what you've learned and gain inspiration for your campaign in part 2.

A: During part 2, you will be conducting community research, assembling supporters, and planning and executing a freedom to read campaign. The work will be intensive, and more independent than part 1, but you will still meet monthly with the SPEAK! network to share your progress and overcome hurdles together.

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Q: How much contact will I have with the other SPEAK! Members?

Q: I'm a little intimidated by this program. Should I still apply?

Q: Why is it called SPEAK!?

A: You'll have a chance to collaborate with your fellow SPEAK! activists every month at our network meetings, but you'll also be added to a SPEAK! Activist Network group chat so you can chat with your fellow activists at any time. We highly encourage engagement with fellow activists to avoid burnout and find the joy in activism.

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A: YES! Anyone can be an activist, so if you're passionate about the issue of book bans or diverse literature, we'd love to meet you! You'll have the community to fall back on if you feel shaky, and the SPEAK! course will help you launch a freedom to read campaign, even if it's your first time engaging with activism work.

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A: The name SPEAK! was inspired by the novel by Laurie Halse Anderson. Speak was one of the top books challenged between 2000-2009, and exemplifies why we're so passionate about the freedom to read. The more obvious reason is that we hope our SPEAK! activists feel empowered to SPEAK! up when faced with injustice in classrooms, libraries, or elsewhere.

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Q: What are some examples of activist campaigns?

Q: What if there are no book bans in my community?

Q: What if I'm already engaged in the freedom to read movement?

A: An activist campaign can take many forms, but some here are some ideas: a letter writing campaign to local decision making authorities, a petition to your english department, school, or district, giving a speech at a local school board meeting, organizing a peaceful protest or a sit-in.

A: If there are no book bans or challenges in your community, there are other directions you can take your campaign. For example, you can find a nearby community to advocate for, or take an approach that focuses on the national issue. You could also advocate for the inclusion of more diverse books and focus on accountability from your community.

A: That's great! If you're looking to join a network of students from all over the country fighting for the same cause as you, SPEAK! could be perfect for you. You may not gain as much from the coursework if you're already knowledgeable about the issue, but you could still benefit from engaging with other youth activists and expanding your network.

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Q: What if I didn't know this was an issue until now?

Q: What if I'm not able to gather community support?

Q: Should I apply on my own or with a group?

A: If you're new to the issue of book bans and the freedom to read, welcome! You will find all the information and support you need in the coursework and with the community to start your activism journey. As long as you can convey why you're passionate about this issue now, you'll be equally considered for the program.

A: While we understand your concern, research shows that opposition to book bans is widespread, so you'll likely find community members that feel similarly once you start looking. It's difficult to face this issue alone, so we'll work hard to support you in finding like-minded community members.

A: If you already have a group of people doing the work, you're one step ahead! Feel free to apply individually and encourage members of your community to apply as well! We'll accept students on an individual basis, but that doesn't mean you won't be able to continue your work with your group. In fact, we highly encourage you to do so!

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