Welcome to the Student Justice Alliance
Student advocacy Guide
Let’s Get Started:
We’ve broken this guide down into three different sections: speeches, journalism, and organization. Each one has pages of resources, expertise from professionals, and examples to get you started.
Speeches
What goes into an effective speech? Why should people feel compelled to listen to you? How can you effectively communicate your concerns?
Structure
A good structure for your speech keeps your points focused, your audience hooked, and your argument powerful.
Rhetoric
The most powerful speeches go beyond making good arguments— they leave a lasting impression.
Weighing
Why should the audience care about your argument? Why does your perspective matter more?
Delivery
Your speech matters, but how you give it matters more: inflection, tone, and eye contact.
Where do I give a speech?
Journalism
What goes into an effective speech? Why should people feel compelled to listen to you? How can you effectively communicate your concerns?
Why does journalism matter?
Reporting on issues can create change, but how much? And what can students do?
Telling your story
Learn about telling your story from beginning to end: identifying, researching, and writing.
Identify your story
Research your story
Write your story
Journalism Ethics
What is good reporting? How do I approach telling other people’s stories?
Where do i Publish my work?
Organization
If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.
Building a movement
Define your cause, build a core team, and create a plan of action.
Define your cause
Build your team
Create a Plan
Organizing events
What events will you host and how will you get people to attend?
Utilizing social media
Measuring impact
Track progress; mark accomplishments; reflect on what worked, what didn’t, and what’s next.