Speak your mind, even if your voice shakes

A few weeks ago I was thinking about the quote, "Speak your mind, even if your voice shakes". Since I decided to do some audioblog reflections as my Lenten observance this year, that particular quote has taken on special significance for me. So, for the first time, it occurred to me to find out where that quote originated. I found out that it was Maggie Kuhn, founder of the Gray Panthers. Posting about that inspired jc to create a new bumper sticker--she already had one with the quote, but now she could include the attribution.

It's amazing how many opportunities there are to discover new role models--ones that until recently I didn't know existed. This is one of the first things I read about her:

Maggie Kuhn, the Gray Panthers charismatic leader changed the face of society with regard to the elderly. She was a committed, hard-working woman who at age 65 began an organization that continues her tradition of fighting for a better life for all. Her advice for those who want to make a change in the world is, "Go to the people at the top - that is my advice to anyone who wants to change the system, any system. Don't moan and groan with like-minded souls. Don't write letters or place a few phone calls and then sit back and wait. Leave safety behind. Put your body on the line. Stand before the people you fear and speak your mind—even if your voice shakes. When you least expect it, someone may actually listen to what you have to say. Well-aimed slingshots can topple giants."

Here's part of the entry about her on the web site of the National Women's Hall of Fame.

In 1970, forced to retire from her career with the Presbyterian Church at age 65, Kuhn and a group of her friends in similar circumstances organized and founded an organization which became the Gray Panthers. The organization was created to work on issues of concern to the elderly, such as pension rights and age discrimination, but also to concern itself with larger public issues, such as the Vietnam War and other social concerns. At the core of the Gray Panthers' message was that older people needed to seize control of their lives and be in the active world working for issues in which they believed. Kuhn's candor, charisma and lively approach to the needs and problems of the old drew major media attention, and the group was successfully launched, coming to represent in the public mind that power and energy that the elderly can represent. Kuhn fought off efforts by everyone from politicians to the managers of nursing homes to treat the elderly like amusing children, instead insisting on a place at the table and voice in decision-making that affected the lives of the old.

I wonder how many other stories are out there, just waiting to inspire me. Do you have a favorite you'd like to share?

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