Critical literacy “encourages readers to question, explore, or challenge the power relationships that exist between authors and readers.” 

- Norris, Lucas, Prudhoe 

Because no text is neutral, Speaking Out Collective ask questions of, and about the text such as:

• Who has power in the story?

• Who made the rules?

• Who benefits from a story like this?

• Who is speaking through this story?

Through Speaking Out programming, children and adults alike learn to hear what is not said and can imagine a world beyond their current reality. 

Critical literacy, combined with functional and cultural literacy, helps develop positive social behaviors including the ability to engage with others from all backgrounds and walks of life.