Did you know that today is World Press Freedom Day?
The United Nations declared May 3 World Press Freedom Day to raise awareness of the importance of freedom of press. Today, we remind governments of their duty to respect and uphold the right to freedom of expression. We pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the exercise of their profession. And we honor reporters who have risked their safety for the truth – like Rafael Marques de Morais, an Angolan reporter and anti-corruption activist, who was featured in an interview with ONE not too long ago.
As I used to work as a newspaper reporter and TV news producer in Germany for several years, World Press Freedom Day is especially important to me. Why? Because freedom of press begins with freedom of speech – and freedom of speech is a right that we often take for granted in our democratized Western world.
In celebration of World Press Freedom Day, I invite you to speak up for your mission. Let us hear your voice, and share what you think the world needs to hear from you.
I believe we not only have the right to share our opinion and our unique voice, both in business and personal life – it’s our duty to speak up for ourselves, for others, and for the greater good of our community.
Here’s why it’s so important for us to speak up and share from the heart:
Truth fuels progress + change.
No matter if you’re sharing your true voice on a large scale or with a small audience, truth is a catalyst for progress and change. Every new movement, every idea, every vision for change + innovation, starts with someone speaking from the heart and laying it on the line. Yes, it’s scary at times, but if it weren’t scary it wouldn’t mean so much to you.
Your true voice inspires others.
Like Angolan reporter Rafael Marques de Morais, who has been standing up against corruption in his country and inspiring others to join him in his activism, your voice will make a difference in the lives of others if you champion a cause that will improve the status quo. Inspire others by tapping into your ‘why’.
You will grow.
Ever had a situation where you stood up for yourself or someone else, or even an entire community, by using your voice. Your message, if articulated from a place of passion and love, will not only change people. It will ultimately change yourself making you grow as a person and as a business owner. You will come out stronger, more confident, and with a clear vision on where to go next.
That’s why World Press Freedom Day is important. It reminds us of our obligation to commit to the truth – which lies in our unique voice. Millions of people around the world have to fight for that right every day; thousands are imprisoned because they spoke the truth.
You have no excuse. Go out and speak up for yourself, for your community, your business, and your movement. Whatever is is you’re wanting to change for the better, take the time today and say what you have to say.
Be a communications rebel.
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