Unmuted: Empowering Middle School Youth to Speak with Purpose

This semester, CASE youth are amping up the communication activities. Youth will be doing professional podcasts at each site, contributing to a program-wide magazine, and learning the art of debate. These activities provide fun and meaningful opportunities for youth to practice communicating their thoughts and respecting the thoughts of others.

In today’s world, communication often feels rushed and thoughtless, words exchanged without reflection or awareness of their impact. For middle schoolers, this can lead to misunderstandings, fractured relationships, and missed opportunities for growth. As words lose their meaning and connection gives way to chaos, we are left asking: How do we help young people reclaim the power and purpose of their voices?

At our after-school program, we believe communication is central to being human. It’s through communication that we connect, grow, and hold one another accountable. This year’s theme, Unmuted, challenges kids not just to speak, but to do so with intention, self-awareness, and respect for others. We strive to teach that words are more than tools—they are mirrors that reflect who we are and how we impact the world around us.

We provide practical-skill lessons in communication, specifically public speaking opportunities, at our youth-led events.

Human connection thrives when we reflect on one another. We are meant to serve as mirrors, holding each other accountable, develop, and grow through understanding. A screen can never replace this vital role. While technology can facilitate conversations, it often lacks the depth, nuance, and accountability that come from face-to-face interactions.

This loss of connection is reflected in today’s communication habits. A survey by Common Sense Media revealed that 35% of teens prefer texting as their primary form of communication, with less than one-third favoring in-person interactions. (Source) Additionally, research from UCLA shows that increased screen time hinders young people’s ability to read nonverbal cues and develop empathy, limiting their capacity to truly understand and relate to others. (Source)

Without the accountability and reflection that human relationships provide, communication risks becoming dehumanized. Careless words, impulsive responses, and digital exchanges can erode trust and understanding. Yet, when used thoughtfully, communication has the power to bridge divides, heal wounds, and build connections.

Our program teaches kids that being Unmuted means more than just being heard—it means choosing words with care and using them to develop connection and growth. We encourage kids to approach conversations not as a means to prove a point but as opportunities to learn, empathize, and strengthen relationships.

The importance of communication is universally recognized. A Pew Research Center survey found that communication skills are considered the most important for children’s success, outranking even academic subjects like math and reading. (Source) By helping kids reclaim the art of intentional, reflective communication, we’re equipping them to thrive not just academically but relationally and emotionally.

Communication is key when developing friendships. It is our hope that new friendships can be made and existing ones strengthened this year as they become unmuted and learn to speak with intention and meaning.

Through active listening, thoughtful expression, and mutual respect, kids in our program are learning how to resolve disagreements, celebrate differences, and build communities where everyone feels valued. This intentional approach restores the humanizing power of communication and reminds us that we are here to reflect one another’s best selves—not to compete or tear each other down.

In a world increasingly dominated by screens and fragmented communication, Unmuted is about reclaiming our humanity. It’s about teaching kids to use their voices to connect, uplift, and inspire. When we speak with intention and allow others to reflect and hold us accountable, we create spaces where peace, respect, and growth can flourish.

At its heart, Unmuted is a call to remember that communication is not just about being heard—it’s about being understood. And it’s through this understanding, grounded in human connection, that we can transform ourselves, our relationships, and our communities for the better.

Ephesians 4:29:

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."