OutSpoken, Inc.

03/21/2022

“Let us keep our minds open, by all means, as long as that means keeping our sense of perspective and seeking an understanding of the forces which mold the world. But don’t keep your minds so open that your brains fall out! There are still things in this world which are true and things which are false; ask which are right and ask which are wrong, even if there are statesmen who hide their designs under the cloak of high sounding phrases.”
By Walter Kotschnig

This phrase has been used a number of times by a number of different people. Kotschnig is the first to have written it for a speech he gave on November 8, 1939, Smith College.

What does Kotschnig really mean?
He is stating that being open minded doesn’t mean that you let go of your own experiences, core values or intellect. It is simply a way to gain knowledge and find middle ground. It does not mean you have to change yourself and any or all of your beliefs. It doesn’t mean that you are always agreeable.

What does it mean to be open minded?
We believe that it is a willingness to try new things or to hear and consider new ideas. When you simply recognize and respect others beliefs and practices you could build a more stable and harmonious relationship with whom ever you meet. Being open minded can help us put our differences aside and cooperate to progress as individuals and as a society.

Being open minded means you welcome new ideas, arguments and information that you typically wouldn’t align with. It is a positive character quality and it gives those who use it; a way to think critically and rationally.

02/10/2022

A leader should have the ability to lead and guide a team, by motivating and inspiring those individuals.
A leader should show you how to handle situations with grace and kindness.
A leader should provide opportunities for growth and knowledge.
A leader should allow for full transparency of their present and future plans for the team they are leading.

For far too long we have allowed our leaders to make careers out of running our country, states, cities, and schools.
They no longer seem to care about all of us, who voted for the newbie with great ideas or the one that’s had family in politics for years.

From here we need to be more conscientious of who we are asking to lead us! Will they be transparent with legislation they want to pass, lobbyists who are helping to funding their campaign, corporations that have donated to them?

We also need to be diligent in researching their background, check the FEC donation records, take note if their family is also in politics, who do they surround themselves with?

If you aren’t happy with the leadership in your school boards, cities or states……….
midterms are just around the corner. Maybe YOU would make a great leader for us too. Think about it.

Just remember, we should be fighting for our children this time around!

01/17/2022

Martin Luther King Jr. won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. Because of his leadership, thoughtfulness and his motivation to have non-violent marches and conversations about creating and promoting civil rights. He followed the teachings of Gandhi and was a Baptist minister. He was gentle and kind; with a voice that people listened too.

Martin Luther King’s actions began a legacy. His thoughtful and ever reaching speeches are what help keep us connected to the idea that all people are; free and equal in dignity and rights. Dr. King’s words SHOULD remind us of what America has accomplished and he had requested that we NEVER move our gaze from the best of what America can be!

01/03/2022

For the New Year, some people chose a word but we will chose a phrase.
For us that phrase will be PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY. We realize that taking personal responsibility needs to be something that is taught and shown throughout a lifetime. But if you understand what it actually entails it can be learned and honed quickly, as long as you are willing to put in the effort. You cannot blame anyone else for your own actions. You make your own choices and must live with the consequences. When you take personal responsibility you can be someone that others trust. Wouldn’t it be an amazing world if everyone took personal responsibility? Maybe people will be more willing to trust themselves and others.

Our plan for the new year is to introduce an idea; one thing each week. We will go on a deep dive each week with that idea; it will pertain to current events, history, environmental, cultural, etc.
We went to give the opportunity to ourselves and our followers to read and learn something new or challenge your beliefs and personal knowledge.

We will provide a wealth of information, ask questions and present polls. We are excited for what that brings and we hope you are too! This will help us decide on speakers to bring to the Valley and what people want more of and less of!

We will save all stories from week to week in a highlight titled appropriately. Is there anything you’d like a deep dive on?
Leave it in the comments⬇️!!

01/01/2022

We wanted to wish all of our followers a very Happy New Year! Thank you for following along with us for the last eight months, it’s been a whirlwind! We continue to work hard on getting our 501(c)(3) status (thanks California 🙄) and that is our big wish for 2022!
We will also continue to connect with people in our community, find out what our community members need and help facilitate those wishes. Our goals are on the horizon and we are excited. Stay tuned for upcoming ideas, stories and speaking engagements!

09/17/2021

Happy United States Constitution Day! 234 years ago today, the most important document was signed into existence at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Constitution Day commemorates the signing and formation of the US Constitution by 39 brave men; recognizing all who are born in the US or by naturalization, have become citizens!

The Constitution of the United States of America is the supreme law of the United States. It is the foundation and the source of the legal authority underlying the existence of the United States of America and the federal government of the United States. It provides the framework for the organization of the United States government. The document defines the three main branches of the government: the legislative branch (Congress), an executive branch (President) and a judicial branch (Supreme Court).

Not only does the Constitution provide for the organization of these branches, it also outlines obligations of each office, as well as provides what powers each branch may exercise. It also reserves numerous rights for the individual states, thereby establishing the United States federal system of government.
Today might just be a great day to go on over and check out the US Constitution, it’s a good read!
Listen. Learn. Speak.

09/16/2021

The day to vote has come and gone. Now it’s time to check out the numbers. Only 41% of registered voters participated in the recall at this point. There is 37 days til it’s official. Check out the county you live in and see how many people voted!

Listen. Learn. Speak.

09/11/2021

🇺🇸September 11th, 2021. 20 years🇺🇸. We love our country. We love the people in it. We disagree on things, but that is the beauty of a free and sovereign country! As a nation, let’s put one foot in front of the other. Let’s do what needs to be done! Let’s get through these tough times together!
Listen.Learn.Speak.

09/06/2021

09/05/2021

Don’t just talk about wanting change.
Take action.
No matter how small.
We all have the power to make a difference in the world.
BE THE CHANGE.
It starts with all of us!
Listen.Learn.Speak.

08/22/2021

The California Recall election is just 23 days away! We at OutSpoken urge you to get involved.

Check out Election Integrity Project. You can learn how votes are counted and more about voting in person vs. mail in ballots. https://www.eip-ca.com

Additionally, apply to become a poll worker. You get paid! 16 year olds and up can apply. Do you agree that our youth need to understand the process and what their rights are as voters? Well, at the polls you can see the whole process of voting, counting ballots and you get to meet new people!
http://pollworker.sos.ca.gov/