Why Your Voice Matters: From Individual Choices to Collective Impact
As one person in a world of billions, it can be hard to find the courage and desire to raise your voice. It can feel easier to keep your ideas, passions, and opinions to yourself, and let others do the talking. Your brain is quick to wonder if what you have to say will matter, or even be heard at all.
But what we sometimes fail to realize is that every individual thought, observation, or statement has the potential to travel far beyond the moment you say it and reach far more than just one person. A single brave idea can change perspectives. A single honest share can make someone feel seen.
I'm not just talking about activism or major change, although those too can also create ripples from individual voices. I am talking about being open to new interests, exploring new perspectives and finding the things that genuinely fill your cup. What you share and put out into the world, whether that be a comment made in class, a repost on social media, or a poster you're waving at a protest, has the potential to spark thought, conversation and influence.
Every small action adds to a larger ripple, reminding us that a single voice connects and contributes to something meaningful and something bigger than ourselves. And maybe, that ripple will turn into a wave.
Maybe you have a niche opinion or an odd passion, and you don't think anyone else will relate to it. Maybe it’s too specific and uncommon for others to get it. You tuck it away, keep to yourself and never share this interest, so you never pursue it. But by doing that, you miss out on the dozens, hundreds, thousands, maybe millions of people who share that same interest and feel the same way. You – and they – would love to have others to discover it with, but how would you know?
Individuality is essential in a well-rounded, healthy society. Communities thrive because of people pursuing different careers, applying various skills and contributing in ways others might overlook. If the world only inhabited one type of person, nothing would function. Not creatively, not socially, or economically. Difference is far from a weakness – it keeps our communities thriving.
In our current times, we are constantly absorbing new information in forms of watching, scrolling, and liking. However, so much of it lacks an authentic voice. Yet, authenticity and individuality are the best part! The most valuable parts of being human. When was the last time you thought about sharing something honest, real and true to yourself, but you didn't because you were worried about not being relatable or liked?
Awareness
Things don’t change if they go unnoticed. Minds don’t open up to new ideas if they aren't exposed. People don’t take action if they aren't aware of a problem. Awareness is the first step to any major (or minor) change.
Talk to your friends, classmates, family, coworkers about anything YOU care about. Don’t be shy to admit a “hot take.” At the very least, you are getting the conversation started. At the most, you open the door to change.
Use technology to your advantage. Post, share and comment on things. Send the article that sparked a little too much emotion, or the new song you have stuck in your head.
Ask questions and stay curious. Challenge yourself to go beyond an initial reaction and learn more about things you don’t yet fully understand.
Inspiration
In sixth grade, I used to watch my classmates play soccer at recess. I always thought to myself, “hm, maybe I should take up soccer.” Mind you, I was eleven, and only played for one season because soccer was definitely not my thing. However, watching my friends try something new and find something to improve at, made me want to join in on the fun and explore something for myself.
I'm not saying you need to join a soccer team in college (unless you want to!), but I am saying that people inspire each other, and inspiration often leads to influence.
Action
And finally, do something! Anything! Take up those soccer lessons, test out a new genre of music, start a blog about the topic you are passionate about, attend local city council meetings. Anything that gets one foot in the door. Action doesn't have to be huge. Every step builds something a little larger than the step before.
For your inspiration
As my own contribution to this conversation, here are a few examples of people who began with small actions that ultimately created a wave of change. Take it as inspiration for your next step.
Greta Thunberg, a Swedish activist known for beginning a solo strike for climate change at age 15, which led to her gaining international attention and speaking to millions.
Greta Thunberg's rise from youth activist to global climate leader | Context by TRF
Eugene residents speak up at city council public comment, voicing opinions and concerns on Flock cameras around the city. The city paused the use of the cameras and are considering canceling the contract with Flock.
Eugene City Council unanimously recommends the pause of Flock cameras - Daily Emerald
Julia Butterfly Hill, an environmental activist known for living in a redwood tree she named “Luna” for two years to protest a lumber company from cutting it down. She drew global attention and it resulted in saving the tree and trees in the surrounding zone.
Julia Butterfly Hill | Biography & Facts | Britannica
Students at the University of Hawaii Manoa started a campus-wide straw ban after finding out that their university was disposing of around 50,000 straws every day.
University of Hawaii Manoa Students Tackle Plastic Pollution On Campus
As you move forward with your day – reading other blogs, heading to class, making dinner, or scrolling through your feed – consider the countless matters you could raise your voice on. And the countless spaces where raising your voice could make a difference. In a world of consistent noise, people crave authenticity and honest opinion. You and I can contribute to that every day.
Your voice matters. Not because it is right or perfect, but because it's yours. And someone, somewhere, will be affected by hearing it.
About the author: Bridget Newman is a fourth-year Journalism major and a Planning, Public Policy, and Management minor. She is passionate about storytelling, creative writing, and media design.