Voice up

Share what you know

If there’s anything we’ve learned from the internet era, it’s that everyone has a right to a voice. So if you’ve got a burning desire to voice your passion, draw attention to an issue, or talk about something you’ve learned, then do it!

Blogs, internal presentations, podcasts – it doesn’t matter what form it takes, just get out there and express yourself!

Why

Here are a few reasons to take action.

Click for more info or scroll to read them all.

Building knowledge

Sharing your interests, knowledge, and opinions with your colleagues, your friends, and the wider world can do a lot. It can raise awareness of an important issue, help improve understanding of a misunderstood area, or simply provide the solidarity of knowing that someone else out there shares your interests as you.

It’s all too easy to live within the echo chamber of our Facebook feed and our close peers, but sharing and discussing views with people who may have differing opinions is also critical to creating cohesive communities - as well helping you to develop a solid, well rounded understanding of those things you care about.

Make connections

Putting your thoughts out there for everyone to see (or hear!) might seem a bit daunting, but it’s actually a great way to connect with people and expand your own knowledge.

Someone who’s seen you talk or read your blog might shout up and say ‘hey, I’m interested in that too! Did you know that….’ This can lead to great opportunities to exchange knowledge and opinions.

And you never know – you might end up starting a community brought together by shared passions and interests.

Develop skills

Whatever job you're in - whether you're a teacher, a web developer, or a facilities manager - communication skills are key. And the best way to hone and develop these skills? Through practice.

If you want to inspire action on climate change, then these skills will be even more important.

Presenting, writing short-form or long-form, or social media engagement - there are a whole range of communications skills out there to perfect and demonstrate. Put yourself to the test, and show 'em what you got.

#1

Communications is employer's most sought-after soft skill.1

Global Goals

In September 2017, a historic agreement was signed by UN member nations agreeing to work towards 17 Global Goals for Sustainable Development by 2030, otherwise known as the SDGs.

Achieving these ambitious goals will require action from governments, businesses, NGOs, and individuals alike. We can - and must - all play our part.

By making the 'Voice up' pledge, you are contributing in your own small way to the following SDG targets:

3.4: By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being

4.4: By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship

4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including, among others, through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development

8.2: Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading and innovation, including through a focus on high-value added and labour-intensive sectors

12.8: By 2030, ensure that people everywhere have the relevant information and awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature

17.16: Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships that mobilize and share knowledge, expertise, technology and financial resources, to support the achievement of the sustainable development goals in all countries, in particular developing countries

How

You can make your voice heard in all sorts of ways:

1. Give a presentation to your company, classmates or community. Whether it’s on your favourite hobby, an idea you’re passionate about sharing, or that big project you’ve been working on for the last few months – share it. If time’s tight, why not make it a breakfast or lunch-time talk?

If you’re using a slide deck, how about sharing it online afterwards using SlideShare?

2. Write a blog. If you don’t have a workplace blog to contribute to, sign up to Medium. There are 100’s of articles out there on “ten tips for your first blog” etc, but our recommendation would simply to get started and see what sticks.

3. Film a vlog. Either for your workplace’s internal social network or simply get yourself set up on YouTube.

4. Record a podcast. Check out this thorough guide to setting up your own podcast series.

5. Or simply become an active member of an online forum.

Success Stories

204

Pledges
in total

204kg

CO2
pledged

I was vocal on online political platforms, attempting to open people's minds to how possible it is to live on the planet without destroying it.

I will write an article for Forum about our Spring into Sustainability month and I will present at the Live and Learn Day in June

I've been more outspoken on social media and tried to connect more with others online

I sent two articles to our internal magazine and also published articles on facebook and LinkedIn.

I plan to write a blog about the importance of our actions in these politically unpredictable times. It's pretty much our lifeblood here.

I've written a blog post about web sustainability and some instagram stories about the things I'm doing

I am starting to get very vocal about my opinions on the environment and climate change. I used to be too shy and insecure to share my opinions online, but as I get older, I'm starting to care more about making a difference.

References