This definitive manual for people who speak out in the public interest tells how to assess options, prepare for action, use official channels, build support — and survive the experience.



• If you have a general interest in the topic, start with chapter 1.
• If you don’t know what to expect if you speak out, see chapter 3.
• If you are trying to decide what to do about a situation, see chapter 4.
• If you are planning to speak out, see chapter 5.
• If you are already involved in making a complaint, see chapter 6.
• If you’re up against a deeply entrenched problem, see chapter 7.
• If you want to become active and work for social change, see chapter 10.

Contents
1. Seven common mistakes
2. The problem
3. Speaking out and the consequences
4. Personal assessment: what should I do?
5. Preparation
6. Official channels
7. Building support
8. Case studies: considering options
9. Surviving
10. Whistleblower groups
References