About Free Speech Week

Free Speech: The Language of America®

Created in 2005 and originally called National Freedom of Speech Week, Free Speech Week (FSW) takes place the third week of October annually. Its purpose is to raise public awareness of the importance of freedom of speech and of a free press in our democracy – and to celebrate that freedom. This non-partisan, non-ideological event is intended to be a unifying celebration.

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Become a Partnering Organization

Free speech is priceless, and so is becoming a Partnering Organization.

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Partnering Organization Registration

Registration is easy, and takes just a few moments.

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Download the FSW Logo

We encourage Partnering Organizations to use the FSW logo as they wish.

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2020 PARTNERING ORGANIZATIONS

  • Southeastern Legal Foundation link
  • Tully Center for Free Speech link
  • Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) link
  • Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press (RCFP) link
  • Radio Television Digital News Association link
  • Olelo Community Media link
  • North Central College link
  • News Media Alliance link
  • National Cable & Telecommunications Association link
  • National Association of Broadcasters Education Foundation link
  • Napa Public Access Cable Television link
  • Minneapolis Telecommunications Network link
  • The Media Institute link
  • MATV, Malden’s Media Center link
  • Geneva College link
  • Freedom Forum link
  • FIRE: Foundation for Individual Rights in Education link
  • First Amendment Museum link
  • Auburn Examiner link
Click here for ‘100 Years of Broadcast News Celebration’ at NAB Show New York

Free Speech WeekFollow

Free Speech Week
Retweet on TwitterFree Speech Week Retweeted
CMwriter4kidsChristy Mihaly@CMwriter4kids·
1h

@FreeSpeechWeek! In 1798, Vt Congressman Matthew Lyon was jailed and fined. His crime? Insulting Pres. John Adams. More about 1st Amdt history in "Free for You and Me." Enter to win a copy (see pinned tweet). #educators Teacher guide at: https://tinyurl.com/y2olbema. @TheCuriousCity

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Retweet on TwitterFree Speech Week Retweeted
1stAmendmntMusFirst Amendment Museum@1stAmendmntMus·
51m

How would you caption this linked free speech themed photo? Enter our photo caption contest below for a chance to win a $10 Amazon gift card - and get to use your freedom of expression! https://firstamendmentmuseum.org/photo-caption-3/ #freespeechweek

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Find a Lesson Plan

Find a Lesson Plan

For educators elementary through high school, we have compiled a list of some of our favorite freedom of speech and freedom of the press lesson plans from around the web.

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Famous Quotes

Free Speech and Freedom of the Press Quotes

Here are some historical and famous free speech and press freedom quotes to inspire in modern times.

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Past Select Activities

Select Past Activities

In 2018, to honor Free Speech Week, the City Club of Cleveland commissioned three original murals by local artists for it's "Free Speech Mural Project." These murals were subsequently installed throughout the city to invite Clevelanders to consider the role free speech plays in their civic landscape.

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First Amendment Milestones

Courtesy of the NAB, take a look at some examples of how journalists have exercised freedom of the press throughout time.

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.”

– First Amendment to the United States Constitution