How do I speak up about injustice when I have less power or privilege than others?

Sor Juana spoke from a convent where she had no formal authority. MLK organized from a marginalized community. Neither waited for permission to name what was wrong. Your lack of institutional power is actually an advantage—you have less to lose, and your voice carries different credibility than those in charge. Start with specificity. Don't make sweeping claims; describe what you've witnessed or experienced. Find allies, especially people with more power who'll amplify and back you. Document patterns, not just incidents. Write things down—journals, emails, records. They become evidence when things escalate. Speak in spaces where your voice might be heard: small meetings before large ones, trusted relationships before public forums. Accept that you might not be believed immediately. That's not your failure. Build community with others in similar positions. You're not alone, even when it feels that way. Your perspective isn't weakness; it's information people with power need but don't naturally see. That's your leverage.