Writing as Reflection

Writing For Change has been a great learning experience. I've always had a special interest in non-profit organizations and volunteer work. The skills that I've learned taking this class have given me a way to help local organizations (and possibly work for one later on!). It helps immensely to have a class that breaks down the requirements and conventions of documents in the non-profit sector. Other people may figure it out as they go, but I certainly prefer getting the overview in one semester!

The most helpful thing that I've gained in this class is the understanding that advocacy writing functions like any other technical writing. There are certain things that are expected of each document for each audience. Sure, it's more complicated than that when you start writing, but at it's heart, grant writing isn't really different from a job application--you want to use the language of the organization, you want to ask for funds in exchange for work, and you have to follow the instructions.

That makes it seem slightly less intimidating, right?

My favorite part of this semester, though, has totally been the blogging. Which is weird, since I've tried blogging before and wasn't such a fan. I think it's different since I'm writing about a specific experience, but more importantly, an important organization. El Zocalo is a young organization and I'm incredibly pleased to be able to represent them in blog form. Hopefully it has (and will continue to) spread some awareness (and gained support for) their organization.

As my schedule (and attention span) allows, I plan on continuing to write about the issues that face immigrants in Arkansas (and the rest of the United States), El Zocalo, and my advocacy writing (read as bleeding heart) experiences!