It’s Time To Find Our Voices

Recently, I spoke at my son’s school Board of Trustees (BOT) meeting. My two topics of concern were:

• Sexuality Education and Gender Ideology in schools

• Vaccination as the only approach to deal with viral outbreaks

See more at https://www.voicemedia.nz/video/it-s-time-to-find-our-voices

The public response has been incredible. Many people are now reaching out for support - parents, grandparents, and those involved in the education sector. Many of us are concerned about where our education system is heading, and what we can do about it. If you have concerns, I encourage you to watch the video as it may help you find your own voice, your way.

There is a feeling among many that what is now in our education curriculum is an extension of an overall push to mute free speech and parental rights. Free speech is the cornerstone of democracy, and it is being eroded rapidly by our government. If you are concerned about what is happening around you, in any area of your life, I encourage you to find your voice and be brave now. Before we lose the right to speak up. We all have important things to say, and we have a right to be heard. Do not think that we must stay silent, tow the line, or look the other way. Especially when we feel we must speak up for our sons and daughters, and future generations.

The speech went viral because it echoes what many are feeling but didn’t know what we can do about it. It was presented in a respectful manner. Questions were asked, evidence presented and a timeframe given for answers to be provided, all within the accepted forum. I also explained the risk to school BOTs, both personally and commercially regarding decisions they are making, that may cause harm to students and staff.

It’s time to learn HOW to say what we are compelled to say - so those currently making decisions on our behalf will hear us. We have the right to ask questions, present our facts and research, hold these people to account, and offer to work alongside them to assist in doing what is morally right. Where ethics and morals seem non-existent, we need to find our voices now.

Let’s face it, we have all had a rough few years. There are stages of awareness and grief that typically follows a pattern after such a season. Hard as the stages are, moving through them IS the healing process.

What stage are you at, in general, with understanding what is going on in the world today?

1. ‘Normal’ functioning - not yet questioning, thinking everything is ok, feeling comfortable.

2. Shock - disbelief, grasping onto what is comfortable and not wanting to know the truth.

3. Anger - frustration, anxiety, irritation, embarrassment, shame, loneliness.

4. Denial - awareness of disturbing realisations, avoidance, confusion, fear, numbness, blame.

5. Depression/detachment - overwhelm, melancholy, low energy, helplessness.

6. Dialogue/bargaining - reaching out to others, desire to tell our story, struggle to find meaning of what’s happening.

7. Acknowledgement/acceptance - explore options, put new plans in place, take personal power back, take responsibility for own actions and behaviour, no longer a victim.

8. Empowerment - Meaning, direction, self-esteem, security, knowing who I am and why I am here, taking positive action, making changes, finding joy in positive solutions.

There was a time when we all accepted that those in positions of power (voted in by us) had our best interests at heart. But now, many of us are realising that we were too trusting, too distracted, and we were led astray, slowly, over many years. So now we have a choice. Either we allow ourselves to be railroaded into increasingly uncomfortable lives, or we step bravely into the stages of awareness and grief, ultimately, finding our brave voices and reclaim our right to a whole, healthy, happy life.

If you choose this path-less-travelled… you’re not alone. More and more of us here and around the world are doing hours of our own research each week. Seeking to find out what is happening through less traditional channels of which there are many available. I encourage you to join me on my channel on voice media and come part of the growing conversation about the change we can all make. A little at a time. I look forward to seeing you there.

Also check out the Free Speech Union - https://www.fsu.nz/ Penny recently joined the new wave of ethical citizen journalism, and is a member of Voice Media and United Free Press (a worldwide ethical journalism initiative, whose Charter of Ethics aligns to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and International Federation of Journalists Charter of Ethics).