There are times when a young person notices something is not right in their surroundings: an offensive joke in a meeting, a candidate marked down just because of their gender or how they dress, or a colleague who has to hide their partner to keep their job. These moments often come and go quickly, but they leave a question behind: should I speak up or not?
This article does not offer a single answer. Instead, we want to record how some young people in the community have thought about speaking up, and how ICS can accompany them along the way.
Speaking up does not mean confrontation
Many people think that speaking up means arguing hard or publicly accusing a particular person. In practice, there are many smaller and safer ways to start: asking a clarifying question, acknowledging the feelings of the person affected, or requesting a private conversation with a manager.
What matters is the purpose of speaking up. If the aim is to make the environment fairer, a small action repeated many times is often more effective than a single outburst.
Three questions before speaking up
Before deciding, many people who join ICS’s discussions often ask themselves three things: am I safe physically, mentally and in my work; does the person affected want me to speak up; and do I have a channel through which I can follow the outcome?
- Safety: assess the risk to yourself first, especially if you are on probation.
- Consent: ask the person affected before speaking on their behalf.
- Support channels: identify someone who can listen and advise, inside or outside the organisation.
The role of workplace policies
A workplace with clear rules against discrimination and harassment makes it easier for young people to speak up. When the reporting process is transparent, people who speak up know how they will be heard and can follow how the matter is handled.
Conversely, without a clear process, pressure tends to fall on the most vulnerable people. That is why developing policies is not just the job of the HR department, but of every member of the organisation.
Pride and equality are not only found in a ceremony. They are built through small actions every day.
How ICS can accompany you
ICS Center runs training sessions and open conversations so that young people can practise how to ask questions, how to present their views, and how to seek support when needed. These sessions do not require you to disclose your identity or personal circumstances.
If you are considering a specific situation, you can contact ICS at nv.gro.sci@ofni. The team will talk with you to help you see your options clearly, without making the decision for you.
Speaking up for the community begins with each person looking after themselves first. When you are steady enough, speaking up becomes less lonely.
