Everyone should have all the necessary tools and mechanism to allow the free flow of information. Much has been written about freedom of expression, indeed it is one of the most debated concepts and issues of our times. However, few such publications are written with youth as the main target readers, especially for young women and men still in high-school and pre-university level. This Toolkit is one such tool targeted at high-school and pre-university students. Young women and men must be empowered and literate in the issues and concepts of freedom of expression in order to become a discerning citizen in a democracy.

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Introduction: The idea behind creating a Freedom of Expression Toolkit -- How to use this toolkit -- Toolbox 1: What is freedom of expression and why does it matter? -- 1. What is freedom of expression -- 2. Why does freedom of expression matter? -- Toolbox 1 summary -- Toolbox 2: When is freedom of expression at risk? 1. When a license to publish or to broadcast is being denied -- 2. When there are physical or emotional intimidations -- 3. When access to information is being unduly denied or limited -- 4. When defamation, libel, or slander suits are being abused -- 5. When there are restrictive laws and regulations -- Toolbox 2 summary -- Toolbox 3: What are the conditions needed for freedom of expression to flourish? 1. The rule of law -- 2. Flourishing free, independent and pluralistic media -- 3. Freedom of information: access to public information -- 4. Active and vibrant civil society -- Toolbox 3 summary -- Toolbox 4: The special role of journalism and journalists in freedom of expression -- 1. Watchdogs vs. lapdogs -- 2. Free press -- 3. Safety of journalists -- 4. Self-regulation of the media -- Toolbox 4 summary -- Toolbox 5: What about freedom of expression online? -- 1. Samizdat and audio-cassette tapes -- 2. Web 2.0 -- 3. Emergence of citizen reporters -- Blogs, YouTube, & Twitter -- Tooklbox 5 summary -- Toolbox 6: Doing your part: monitor, defend and promote freedom of expression -- 1. Publish your own newspaper -- 2. Monitor freedom of expression in your country -- 3. Celebrate World Press Freedom Day! -- 4. Start networking -- Toolbox 6 summary -- Toolbox 7: "I can say whatever I want because it's my freedom of expression!" -- Limitations of freedom of expression -- Limitations to freedom of expression: Hate speech -- Toolbox 7 summary -- Case study: Democratic Republic of Zangara -- 1. Freedom of Expression vs Religious sensitivities -- 2. Freedom of expression vs Abiding by the local law -- 3. Freedom of expression and videogrames -- Resources.