Speak Up, Speak Out! Community

The Speak Up, Speak Out! Community is open to all TU students who are interested in learning how to use their voice to create stronger communities by encouraging diverse voices. The community will teach students how to find and use their voices and then how to amplify their voices for the betterment of their communities. 

Members of the Speak Up, Speak Out! Community will be immersed in a welcoming environment with common residential areas, community events, and customized activities. Community events will include workshops created by the Public Communication Center on topics such as managing speech anxiety, persuasion and advocacy skills, and impromptu speaking techniques; slam poetry performances; presentations in the TED Talk format; and informal debates around issues of residential importance.

Students in the community will also have an opportunity to compete in a Public Speaking Competition for awards and prizes. This community is a partnership between the Department of Communication Studies, the Public Communication Center, and Housing & Residence Life.

Community Benefits

• Participating in a supportive and collaborative learning environment
• Developing public speaking and social advocacy skills
• Discovering one’s voice and learning how to advocate for causes that are meaningful
• Learning and engaging in thoughtful and respectful debate practices
• Collaborating with Peer mentors from the Public Communication Center
• Working with a dedicated FYE Advisor for the community
• Moving in one day early to connect with peer residents