Jacoby Poulain: Learn to harness power of words

Words have power. They can cause life or death to an individual or a community.

Words are not simply sounds and they do more than merely convey information. Words are intentional. They have purpose and a real tangible quality or effect on the atmosphere and environment around us.

The power of our words can destroy one's spirit, even stir up hatred and violence. They not only incite wounds but inflict them directly. On the flip side, however, words can instil a sense of hope and faith in a person and set one alight with confidence to overcome, succeed and excel.

What is true with words for an individual also applies on a community level. Entire communities, nations even, like individuals can be pulled down or built up by the power of words.

Of all the creatures on this planet, only man has the ability to communicate through the spoken word. The power to use words is a very unique and powerful gift. The only question then is how will we use this gift?

Recently I sat in on a presentation of the state of our nation's children by Dr Russell Wills, our Children's Commissioner. Topics included the economy, income inequalities and child poverty, effects on children's health and well-being and opportunities to work together to progress statistics. Although many statistics were dismal, it was Dr Wills' thorough explanation of the true state of affairs and his confidence we can do positive things to advance the situation that won us over.

The key is to articulate and advocate clearly and strongly so as to help bridge understandings in order to foster collaboration and see positive advancement.

Global child rights advocacy organisation Unicef is an advocacy example we can follow. Through advocacy, it seeks to influence policy-makers, political and social leaders, to create enabling policy and legislative environments and allocate resources equitably in order to create and sustain social transformation.

Just as advocacy works on a global scale for Unicef, it works equally as well on a national and regional level for us at home. Remarkable results can be had by linking the perspectives, concerns, and voices of children, women and men from marginalised groups to upstream policy dialogue. Many times each side does not fully understand the other's perspectives and needs, but when this gap of understanding is bridged, mutually beneficial outcomes are gained.

In today's economic climate things are getting tougher, however I do believe that, despite this, there exists an abundance of untapped resources and capacity to get things done. People follow vision. Resources follow vision.

Often our grass-roots communities have the answers and innovative solutions - they simply require assistance advocating their vision. All that is needed at times for some individuals and communities is for someone to listen and to help extract and articulate the real heart of the matter, at the right time and in the right places. Once the issue is aired and out there, magical things can start to happen.

Advocacy is a powerful way in which one can use words to advance positive societal difference. The beauty of this gift of the tongue is that we each have it, it is quick to put into use and it ignites fire and action. It only takes one spark to start a fire. Perhaps you are that spark for your family or community.

A community meeting, to be held at 5.30pm at Flaxmere College this Friday, has been called for by a local mother as an opportunity to share your ideas and be an advocate for a better and safer place. All welcome.

Jacoby Poulain is a Hastings District Council Flaxmere Ward councillor.