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DBQ: Having a Voice

The following text excerpt is from an article titled “Voice.” This article provides information
on “voice” is for a person and why it is important.
What is voice?
"Voice" refers to the ability to engage in meaningful conversation, to make a difference
through what one says, and to have a say in key decisions. According to John Paul Lederach,
voice centers on inclusive conversations that are grounded in "mutuality, understanding and
accessibility".
When parties have a voice, their viewpoints, thoughts, and feelings receive a "fair
hearing" and are readily recognized by others. They possess the capacity to make an impact,
both on their own personal situation as well as the broader struggle, through their actions and
words. This need to be heard and recognized is connected to people's sense of justice and their
desire for validation.
This capacity to "have a say" may amount to having a seat at the negotiating table (or
being adequately represented by someone who does), an opportunity to hold office, a chance
to vote, or an opportunity to provide input into important decisions. At the local level, gaining a
voice may mean serving as a representative on planning boards and committees within one's
community.
Those whose voices are most often silenced include women, minority groups,
indigenous peoples, and the poor.
Why is Voice Important?
Costs of Denying Voice:
In societies where there is protracted, violent conflict, the public sphere is typically
divided along social, economic, and political lines and certain groups are excluded from
opportunities to participate in political processes. When control of the state is captured by a
small group of elites, many individuals' capacity for political influence is often undermined. In
short, because members of the public cannot engage effectively in political dialogue or have
input into decision-making, they lack a genuine voice.
If parties to a conflict are excluded from negotiations or other decision-making
processes, or their voices are overlooked and ignored, they are likely to become dissatisfied
with that process. This exacerbates public mistrust, undermines the legitimacy of any
agreements reached, and may well hamper implementation of those agreements. Parties left
out of the negotiations may challenge the decision in court (if one is available), or simply refuse
to comply with the agreement. They may even oppose the agreement violently, acting as
"spoilers." In addition, if the terms of peace are simply imposed on the population, this may
perpetuate traditional power structures rather than bringing about social change.
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Benefits of Granting Voice:

For those who are marginalized, excluded, and/or disenfranchised, voice is a source of
empowerment. Having a voice is closely linked to notions of self-determination and autonomy
and the ability to have a say in important decisions. The capacity to influence important
decisions restores one's sense that one is capable of handling life's problems and is able to
transform detrimental social policies, structures, and surroundings. When all those most
affected by the conflict have a voice in open and inclusive decision-making, this fosters conflict
transformation and the consolidation of peace. Peacemaking and peacebuilding processes that
are informed by diverse points of view may contribute to a more lasting and stable peace.

DBQ #1: According to the article above, what does it mean to have a “voice”?
Additionally, why is having a “voice” important? What are the costs of not having a voice and
what are the benefits?
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 Name: ___________________________

The following text excerpt is from an article titled “Why It’s Important for Young People to
Have a Voice.” Though this article is written from a young person in Ireland, there are similar
elements present that relate to you.
Growing up, we learn to resent being told what to do. It’s almost instinctive. If it’s not
our parents, it’s our teachers, if it’s not our teachers it’s that ever present “society” that tells us
we aren’t old enough to make decisions for ourselves so we’re to follow their rules until we’re
old enough to “know better”.
Well I would argue that we do know better.
Young people in Ireland are very capable, educated and opinionated individuals. We
need to show that we understand that there are decisions to be made regarding our futures
and we need to propose ourselves as the people who need to be piloting these decisions.
Ministers, politicians, teachers and the community want to help better the future for
our generation but their experience of being a young person is far out-dated to that of our own.
Our problems and our concerns may not even dawn on the “powers that be” unless we point
them out. To do that, we must take action and not just advise the decision-makers, but become
them.
Now I know that speaking out in a forum of adults is easier said than done. It’s true too
that not everyone needs to be a leader in youth inclusion. That said, we must realize that
everyone’s opinion, no matter how insignificant we feel our ideas might be, are worth hearing.
There is no need to worry that your voice will fall on deaf ears.
It is the persistence of young people and our sheer determination to prove that we’re
worth listening to that will drive us to succeed in whatever campaign or committee we partake
in. If any person believes that our voice isn’t worth hearing, then fine. We can prove them
wrong. What’s worse than their ignorance is if we let ourselves believe that our voices aren’t
worth hearing.
As I was writing this article, I thought I’d do a little background research and ask people
why they felt that youth inclusion and being involved in decision making in society was
important. Many said that they resented having to follow legislators who didn’t consult them
and that this is why there is so much work being done in Ireland at the minute around voting at
16. I also heard how inclusion generates a sense of activism among young people and that this
is needed not just on a local but on a national level.
Ultimately, having youth representatives in societal decision making gives us a real
presence in Ireland. It fosters a sense of “We are here and we have voices.” It is a statement
that we wish not to be consulted, but to participate - a benefit not only for the youth of Ireland
but for the nation as a whole.

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DBQ #2: According to the article above, why is it important for young people to have
student a voice? Additionally, what are at least two reasons why young people should be listened
to? In your response please be sure to provide details and evidence from the text.
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