Speak Up! Speak Out!
Since 2002, Speak Up! Speak Out! has empowered students from third grade to high school to become change-makers in their communities. Through hands-on learning, students gain the tools, skills, and confidence to identify local issues and take action to make a real difference.
Speak Up! Speak Out! students team up to identify community problems, create innovative solutions, and compete for the chance to present their ideas at the annual State Civics Fair.
OUR TEAM
Collaborate, Solve, and Share
Over the course of the semester, small student groups work together to research their communities, select an interesting and motivating problem, and develop projects, proposals, and solutions to present to the community. Students then compete in Regional Civics Fairs and/or submit video presentations to participate in our Virtual Semi-finals. Top teams from across Texas are invited to present their solutions in-person at the State Civics Fair in early spring. The SUSO State Civics Fair will be held on April 5, 2025. This year’s theme is The Power of Participation: Every Voice Matters
Empower Student Voices
This civic education project encourages students to become active participants in their communities. The distinguishing element of Speak Up Speak Out is that the students are responsible for determining the issues that will be addressed and for developing viable solutions that they implement.
Become Storytellers
Students are encouraged to use their diverse talents, experiences, and ideas to develop their projects. Speak Up Speak Out gives students the opportunity to learn how to become active citizens and to become storytellers to share their message with community leaders.