Our Voice = Power

When it comes to voice, I am accustomed to freedom. I believe this privilege requires me to extend freedom of voice to others – even, and perhaps, especially to those with whom I disagree or don’t really want to hear.

In Full Voice: The Art and Practice of Vocal Presence, Barbara McAfee opens with, “The words ‘voice,’ ‘vocation,’ and ‘avocation’ all share a common Latin root. Vocare literally means ‘to call, invoke, or name.’ The people who first made these etymological links recognized the deep connection between voice and calling. Here’s what they knew: the voice emerges from the mysterious intersection of your body, mind, emotions and spirit.”

I once heard Charlie Rose frame an interview question with “if you can control the language, you can control the issue.”

When I weave these divergent thoughts together, I better understand the power squelching, restraining or silencing the voice has in limiting agency and the full development of a human’s potential.

For me, freedom of voice means:

• being able to express what is true for me in writing or speech without fear of retribution or persecution,


• having broad access to online, print, broadcast, and live forums and conversations that offer that opportunity for expression to all of us,


• supporting media, arts, business, government and non-profit leaders and editorial boards committed to accuracy, objectivity and inclusion.

With this freedom comes responsibility. I strive to consistently:

• remember that my words have the power to hurt or to heal, to oppress or uplift, to divide or unite,


• make certain my voice, my perspective, my experience, and my opinions are not the only ones in the room,


• create spaces where voices – even those I may disagree with – are welcome,


• recognize that when there are consequences for failing to use specific words, such as jargon or popular industryterms, a power dynamic is present that should be examined.

In these highly-polarized times in the U.S., I find myself being more deliberate in my communication. I check in with my feelings more often and generally speak and respond more slowly than in the past. I reflectoften on Gandhi’s steadfastness to his beliefs AND to ahimsa, non-harming and a principle of nonviolence toward all living things.

I am grateful to World Pulse for thought-provokingquestions that help me to clarify my views. I appreciate WordPress, Facebook, Twitter, and all of the online tools as well as local community conversation and dialogue spaces that allow me to learn, connect and grow.

I hold the intention for and work toward a healing world where all voices matter and feel heard – where the voice’s power and volition is welcomed everywhere.

How to Get Involved

To learn more about Barbara McAfee's work and book, visit www.barbaramcafee.com