Testimonials

In their own words…

"It was a really great and positive experience."

We must keep the Communication open and it is not always going to be my way. Thank you SpeakUp! for opening my eyes and ears to my daughter's life. 

I feel last night was better than any present in the world. The tools and skills that will be needed to raise our young today are mind boggling. I’m so grateful for this amazing SpeakUp! group.

It was so very instrumental to see the teenagers relate to the issues and talk so freely. You have made a difference in my life.  Thank you!

                   -  Parent Participant

“I think this is a great venue to get insight from the kids because kids really do want to talk to parents and tell them how they feel about these things,” — Mary Barr Martin, guidance counselor at the Country Day School of the Sacred Heart and parent of a junior at Merion Mercy Academy.

“It’s awesome,” said Patrick May of La Salle College High School, “you get to express your opinion on topics important to teens.” Of course the topics vary at each event, but some like drugs and alcohol, sex and bullying all remain constant.

"I had so much fun planning the event at Merion and learned a lot from it. My Mom and I both really liked doing the "10 & 10". We've already done it again since SpeakUp! at Merion! SpeakUp! is such a good environment for teens and parents to be honest while still feeling comfortable. I felt that my Alcohol & Drugs Group was very effective and I was able to understand parents' point of view a little bit better. I can't wait for the next SpeakUp! so I can get the opportunity to be in another group." — Student Facilitator

“I attended Speak Up for the first time. My freshman daughter, my wife, and I all took part. We each had different experiences and impressions because we each picked different topics. I am interested in Acceptance and joined that group. Jeff Yalden, Breanna, and Alex facilitated. I really enjoyed hearing from the students, and nearly everyone spoke from the heart about their experiences dealing with acceptance, cliques, intolerance, snap judgments, how to welcome, how to bridge gaps, what divides us, and how to be better at accepting ourselves and seeing the good in people. I wish the conversation could have gone on longer. I hope it made a difference. I plan to keep coming back. Thanks to all the students, facilitators, and parents who made the time and believed in the importance of the program. The teachers who could not be there were missed.” — Paul Hagerty (Parent)

“This is our third year attending Speak Up and I cannot express what an amazing opportunity it is to participate not only with other parent's of teens, but with the young people directly.

Each year has provided me, as a parent of a teen, insight into various topics affecting our youth. To be able to sit with the teens and listen to their points of view is an incredible experience.

I encourage parents to attend next year to witness a unique opportunity to learn what our teens are facing and dealing with in today's society. Thank you to all who made the evening possible!”
— Anne Clarke (Parent)

“SpeakUp! gave me a sense that family is important and showed me that I need to strengthen the ties between my parents and me. I think SpeakUp! is a great idea!” — A Student

“As a teenager who was struggling with his sexuality, his body image and his place in the world, it was SpeakUp! that gave me hope. It was SpeakUp! that gave me a place where I felt that my voice was heard…Thank you for the lasting impression that you make on me so many years ago. Thank you for giving me hope; a hope that will be with me as I begin my teaching career.” — A SpeakUp! graduat

“Being a volunteer with SpeakUp! for the past 5 years has given me a priceless education on the things that are very important to me in my own personal life. I am very happy to be a part of such a caring organization. I look forward to seeing and working with all the people for another positive event.” — A parent

“SpeakUp! creates a safe atmosphere that empowers students to speak their minds on the tough subjects at hand. I was blown away by the honesty, courage, and leadership of the students involved.

Students, parents & teachers are suddenly on a level playing field where listening, sharing points of view and problem solving are the victors over blaming, denying, and lecturing. Truth be told, no one knows what it is like to be a high school student today except, well, today’s high school students. SpeakUp! breaks down walls and assumptions and opens the door for needed communication amongst teens and adults.” — An educator