This article discusses a unit of work, developed by this author, that encouraged students to "express themselves" by using language to make a difference (i.e., to protest an issue of particular concern.) While the culminating task for this unit was a spoken task requiring students to reflect upon what they had done and how successful they had been, a number of genres (letter to the editor, letters of complaint, fliers, posters) were taught throughout the unit. The author states that this was one of the most effective units of work he had ever completed with a group of students. Students appreciated being able to explore an avenue of particular interest to them and felt empowered through their participation in the learning experiences of this unit.