STORIES
Echoes of the Unheard is a space for Social Gastronomy Movement members to share and amplify the voices of marginalized and vulnerable groups that generally do not have access to platforms where they can voice their stories and struggles.
TOOLKIT: Echoes of the Unheard - Blog
As the name suggests, Echoes of the Unheard is a space for Social Gastronomy Movement members to share and amplify the voices of marginalized and vulnerable groups that generally do not have access to platforms where they can voice their stories and struggles. Having a stage or a platform in this world is a privilege many do not have - those whose voices are muted or ignored must be heard. This is an advocacy and an activism tool.
The invitation here is not to share about your general work or achievements as an SGM member, but to share what you see and hear from the margins, the good and the bad. Tell us about the stories or the realities of the humans and other sentient beings forgotten. And if you have the chance, share their voices directly, raw and unfiltered.
The main objective of this toolkit is to help you take advantage of the SGM platform to voice issues that are close to your heart and that need amplification. This platform currently consists of a regular blog that will be embedded in SGM’s website and also shared in SGM’s social media channels.
To keep in mind when writing:
As members of SGM, we are committed to upholding SGM's vision, mission, and values, and to championing its principles. This enables us to speak with a stronger common voice. Keep these in mind so they inspire your blog.
SGM Vision: Connected and strengthened Social Gastronomy communities around the world working towards an equitable future, inclusive society, and a healthy planet.
SGM Mission: We engage people in food systems to collaborate for social change.
SGM Values: Service, Equity, Collaboration, and Gratitude
Key issues or topics to blog about
This is a list of suggested topics and themes, but it is in no way exclusive or exhaustive. There are many other issues and contexts that different SGM members might be familiar with and would want to share in this blog. We hope you get inspired!
Weaponization of food and food systems in warfare and conflictual contexts (Palestine, Ukraine, Congo, Haiti, among others).
Lack of access to food and clean water
Food access for migrants and the rights of migrant food workers.
Food system monopolization affecting vulnerable groups and minorities
Structural food system failures that affect particular communities and their resources (water and soil contamination, trade agreements, import/export lack of taxation, speculation in the food commodities markets, just to name a few)
Struggles of indigenous communities for water, land and at the frontlines of climate change
How to make your blog heard
Contact SGM and present your blog idea to get the green light. Here is the email address: communications@socialgastronomy.org
Once you have your blog entry ready, share it in an editable format (Word, Google Docs) with the SGM’s team via the same email. SGM will format it and publish it on their website, in the “Echoes of the Unheard” section.
It will then be shared on SGM Social Media channels and in the next newsletter.
You will also receive the link to the blog article. Use this link to spread the word and increase the visibility of your article at every opportunity.
How to Blog - A few tips to amplify your voice
1 Define “why” you are writing the blog: have a clear idea of “why” you're writing (distinct from the key message/cause you're presenting in your blog). Is it to raise awareness? Convince? Promote a story? etc. If you have a clear idea of why you're writing before you start, your content should best serve its purpose.
2 Headline and introduction are key: they attract the reader's attention and ensure they leave with your key messages. To do this, ideally, the key messages and the questions and answers are contained in these two sections. The introduction is a summary of the main ideas that will follow in the blog.
Similarly, it can be helpful to write the title before the content - this will help you identify the angle you want to adopt and guide you when writing the content.
3 The shorter, the simpler, the better: once you have your first draft, simplify and edit. A good rule of thumb is that a sentence shouldn't exceed 30 words.
In general, your blog should be between 600 and 1,000 words. However, if your topic involves facts and data, it may justify a longer article, so there is no maximum word count.
4 The power of pictures, quotes and stories: depending on the subject, stories are often the most effective way of getting your message heard. Readers will relate or empathize. Images and quotes are also very effective in adding color and dynamism to your blog, making it more relatable and lively.