By Leni Spooner, creator of Between the Lines.
I didn’t set out to become a political writer. I set out to make sense of things—for myself, for my family, for anyone else who needed more clarity than the headlines were offering.
But the more I wrote, the more I realized that clarity isn’t just a luxury. It’s a form of courage. And using your voice—whether in a letter, a post, or a kitchen table conversation—is a civic act in its own right.
On this long weekend, I wanted to step back from the “what’s happening” and reflect on the “why I’m still speaking.” Because maybe, like me, you’ve felt the weight of wondering: does it matter?
I didn’t always write with clarity or purpose. I spent years deep in the thick of life—raising a family, building a communications career, and, later, becoming part of the sandwich generation. When you’re managing immediate needs from all directions, clarity feels like a luxury.
Politics had long been part of my work, but for years I thought of it as separate from hearth and home. It took time and space—and a little breathing room—to see that the political shows up everywhere. In our homes. Our neighbourhoods. Even in how we treat ourselves.
Just as I tried to build a sense of calm and fairness at home, I found myself seeking the same in the world around me. Once I saw the patterns and systems shaping daily frustrations, I stopped feeling so defeated. I could see the roots—and imagine change.
And as I carried that inner calm into the world, something shifted. People started asking questions. Real questions. From teenagers to seniors: Why does it work this way? What are we allowed to change? What would happen if we tried?
And that’s when I knew: it’s not just about having a voice. It’s about helping others hear their own.
And so came a new kind of writing—far more personal than it might seem to the reader. Each thread of context or narrative is drawn from my own lived experience, in one form or another.
The old adage “write what you know” holds true for me. But more often, I write to carry the reader forward with me—on a journey toward perspective, nuance, and meaning in a world of headlines, soundbites, and clickbait. A journey to empower agency and action through understanding, reflection, and vision.
So yes—I think it does matter. Choosing when, how, and why to speak out is how we reclaim our autonomy. It’s how we contribute to something larger. Not because any one voice can shift the tide alone, but because speaking—honestly, imperfectly, with care—keeps the civic space alive.
So if you’ve been holding back your perspective, your questions, or your small-but-firm “I disagree,” consider this a little nudge. There’s room for your voice here.
💬 I’d love to hear what’s moved you to speak up lately. Comments and emails are always welcome—and quietly powerful.
About the Author
Leni Spooner is a Canadian writer, researcher, and civic storyteller. She is the founder of Between the Lines | Kitchen Table Politics, a longform publication exploring how policy, economics, food systems, and everyday life intersect. Her work blends historical context with present-day analysis, helping readers see the deeper patterns that shape Canada’s choices — and the lives built around them.
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