Blog

The Bardic Tour Speak-athon has, over the last year, been seeking to integrate Speak values. It has been gaining momentum with people across the network, who have been getting on their bikes to raise money for the Speak related projects. We are now moving into the second phase of the Bardic Tour...
Are you passionate about making a difference in the world? Are you looking for an opportunity to live out the values you care about? Do you want to give some of your time to supporting other members of the SPEAK Network? Join the Network Support Team, and share your skills with groups and links around the country!
A creation from our Dutch cousins at Time to Turn!
A SPEAK campaign against the injustices of agribusiness was first suggested at Flower Model in November 2010. We're now looking forward to launching a campaign on this issue at Soundcheck 2013, but in order to do so, SPEAK needs everyone's input! The coming weeks present a chance for all of us to feed into this working paper, exploring the ties between our faith and the ideology of Food Sovereignty. So, come have a read and have your say!
165 signed Pray & Post cards were handed in last week
We don't get to say this very often, so cherish these beautiful words: WE DID IT!
Ever taken Luke 14 seriously? Some people over at Fusion did, and look what happened...
On 26th October, we published a letter from the MoD in response to our 'Dehumanising Destruction' Pray&Post (calling from greater parliamentary scrutiny into the UK's use of unmanned armed drones). Since this was a Network-wide campaign, we'd like as many of you as possible to write a letter in response! This blog will give you some helpful knowledge and counter-arguments to build your letter. If there is something we have missed, do put it in too!
If you’re a SPEAK veteran, you’ll hardly be surprised by the network’s ongoing desire to be a grass-roots led movement; it’s for this reason that the network’s bi-annual, inclusive, participatory forum –aka ‘Flower Model’ – continues to be a vital element of the network’s make-up. Last weekend, a mix of SPEAK-ers from across the UK gathered at Desmond Tutu House, Bradford, to continue SPEAK’s exciting tradition of dreaming big dreams and planning for the future ahead.
Harry Baker performing at the SPEAK London Cabaret
Last week members of SPEAK London put together a Cabaret of music & comedy to raise money for the Network. With a bit of work and know-how, it's possible to raise a decent sum that all helps to keeping SPEAK going - could you do it?
One of SPEAK's major campaigns over the years has been a call for greater corporate responsibility; as a network we intend to call on government and business to create fairer rules for workers and producers alike. Mike Bourne takes a look at how changing market objectives would create a more natural and spontaneous was of life.
Lobbying Jo Swinson MP - spot the dog?
Signed the SQUEEZED pray & post card to speak up for underpaid farmers? Biting your nails in anxiety over whether it's enough? Want to do some extra to lobby the Government for justice? Look no further...
Twice a year, members of the SPEAK Network come together to dream dreams, plan plans and look to the future of the network. We call it 'Flower Model' because we want to function like a single organism, drawing strength and life from all of the constituent parts. If you'd like to get more involved in planning and growing the network, join us 17th to 18th November, at Desmond Tutu House in Bradford.
sweatshop protest
SPEAK has campaigned against injustices in the garment industry since the beginning in 1998. It's People & Planet's Week of Action against sweatshops at the end of this month - how are you going to get involved?
People in West Papua send solidarity photo for the 'Arrest President SBY' campaign. Photo Credit: Free West Papua Campaign
SPEAKers in Edinburgh have been long-term supporters of the Free West Papua Campaign. Tom Kirby gives us an update of the UK's ongoing complicity in this oppression, and highlights a demo taking place in Edinburgh tonight:
This morning, a bunch of people gathered outside Church House to pray while the building was being used to house an arms conference. Chris went along and gives his thoughts and reflections...
SPEAK are looking for someone to join the NST! We're looking for a new administrator to help support the work of the Network Support Team. We need someone who's passionate about seeking justice, and has the skills to keep things running smoothly in our busy London office as we prepare for new campaigns, new events, and a new year of work with students around the country. Interested? Read on...
Remember the blue 'Dehumanising Destruction' Pray & Post card? After handing another batch into 10 Downing Street, the Ministry of Defence have given us a response.
In a world of endless clictivism, it can be so refreshing to get out onto the streets and make a noise for injustice in the public space. SPEAK London members have been busy this week participating in at least 3 stunts around arms, corporate responsibility and climate action. We review them here...
SPEAK are long-time supporters of Workshop, a project which provides a course of Christian learning to Churches and individuals who are keen to explore faith in a broad and practical way. Its founder, Noel Moules, has taken part in SPEAK events in the past, and has recently release a book: "Fingerprints of Fire, Footprints of Peace". Former SPEAK director Jo Frew reviews it here...
What with SPEAK week coming up at the beginning of November, London SPEAK are pulling together to hold a Cabaret of comedy and tunes, whilst raising essential funds for the SPEAK Network's great work in the process...
Every year, dedicated SPEAK members take a week in November to hit the streets and share their love of justice with the world, and raise money for SPEAK in the process. This year is no exception! Around the country, SPEAK groups will be out there, doing wild and exciting things that catch the imagination of the whole community...