Conversations That Count - Speak Truth To Power

The phrase “speak truth to power” was first coined in the 1950's to describe non-violent activism and movements for change - speaking what we believe to be true to someone in authority. It's a concept which predates the phrase itself, evident throughout human history.

In modern times those who have spoken truth to power have created some of the most significant social changes and biggest movements in modern history. From Martin Luther King's dream to David Lange's Oxford debate leading to a Nuclear Free NZ.

Thanks to the influence and ubiquity of social media platforms, there's potential for what seems like a stronger voice and access to a bigger audience - to anyone with a keyboard and an opinion.

How do we know when someone speaks that its's credible? Can someone's truth be another's fiction? What is the role of the institutions and influencers within the public discourse? Who provides the checks and balances? Do universities still play an important role as a ‘check’ upon what governments and others claim is the ‘truth’?

Join our panelists to talk about how speaking truth to power has changed and what it means for New Zealand today.

Register now.