What we do

In everything we do, we look to inspire, entertain and connect with others. Our events are open to everyone, and are made to be enjoyed with anyone from all ages in a community. What we do is founded on three core principles:

Respect – Without profanity. We adopt an approach whereby SPEAKout’s events are all without profanity, expletive or explicit sexual content. We seek to benefit from all demographics of society, and believe in creating an environment where no one is excluded.

Purpose – “Help your brother; the oppressor & the oppressed”*. How do we help the oppressor? By letting them know when they are oppressing others, and speaking out against similar actions. Spoken word is not just poetry; it is a social service, a live and independent commentary critique for the people, by the people.

Overlap – Community. Our community is one who believes that the mind of a child is where the revolution begins; that “no, the revolution will not be televised”**. We believe words are the bridge between heart and hand; that the first change that takes place is in the heart & mind. Poetry is not the end; it is just the beginning.

SPEAKout seeks to Inspire its community with values that advocate for people’s betterment; ones that stress the Respect of self and of others. SPEAKout presents Entertainment, but with a purpose to engage its community and to challenge the status quo. SPEAKout seeks to find points of overlap between different communities, and advocates for communities to find common grounds for dialogue & peace. SPEAKout strives to find the points of overlap that we all share; to foster understanding and establish a common framework to build healthy and diverse communities together.

This is our message, this is who we are, and everything that we do stems from this understanding.

Inspire Respect. Entertain with Purpose. Connect Community.

*A saying attributed to the Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him
** “The Revolution will put you in the front seat, The Revolution will not be televised…The Revolution will be no re-run brothers; The Revolution will be live” - Poet Gil Scott-Heron

Click here to download a copy of our manifesto.