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!

Words Matter

As you may have already heard, the Associated Press will no longer be calling people "illegal".

Although it is important for everyone to understand the power of words, I think it is especially important for us as writers.

This study from The National Hispanic Media Coalition found that non-latinos demonstrated much more negative opinions when responding to the term "illegal" or "illegal immigrant" than they did to the term "undocumented". Although neither are fully accurate, people are not illegal. By calling human beings "illegal", we are dehumanizing them. We're equating them with their actions, not their humanity.

As writers, we have influence over the material that reaches the public. Written word in particular is a concrete type of discourse that can shape the way that issues and populations are viewed and understood. From one writer to another, please keep in mind that your words matter! Be kind and respect the personhood of others.

(and as one writer to another, good luck with whatever you may be writing at the moment!)

So You Think You Want To Be An Activist: A Tip Sheet

Have you ever seem something on the news that just gets you fired up? New legislation? A violation of human rights? Feel like your freedoms are being restricted? Do something about it!

I know from personal experience that activism can seem tricky. How do you do it? Why does anyone care what you have to say? Can you make a difference?

Really, you won't know unless you try. 

Activism is kind of an all encompassing term. My strengths are in blogging, promotional materials, and emailing. If you notice, those are all forms of advocacy writing. Coincidence? I think not. Even if you aren't a writing person, there are tons of ways to be involved. Because I do live in Arkansas, this information will probably be most relevant to my fellow Arkansans, but the basic ideas are the same no matter your location.

Step 1:  Research

This can be tricky if you don't know where to look. Theoretically, all of the information about the Arkansas Legislature can be found on their website. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to navigate. Openstates.org features a much more user friendly interface that allows you to look up different legislators and different legislation. Research the bills, research voting records, and then go over to Google and research the issue as a whole. If you support something, know why. If you oppose something, know why.

Step 2:  Vote

Simple. Make sure you're voting, for a couple of different reasons. Voting is great because it gives you input in who has political power. Voting is also great because legislators care a whole lot more about phone calls and emails from their voting constituents than they do any Jane Doe. And voting is fun! At least for political nerds.

Step 3:  Organize

This process is so much easier with some back up. Is there a local organization that feels the same way you do? Maybe even just your neighbor. Social media is a great tool for finding those allies. Facebook is great because you can form groups and events about the issue and share information and updates!

Step 4:  Advocate!

Here is where you have some freedom. My advice is to always start by going back to your research. Clearly summarize the issue/bill/legislator that you're focusing on and then outline the reasons that you are for/against it. Then decide what you want to do about it. Are you going to work solo? Or recruit some allies? My advice is to use that social media and find some allies. Even email writing is more fun with a friend! I use my personal Facebook page to raise awareness about important issues all the time. Then, when I get ready to take some real action, I know who to call (or message) for back up!

Advocacy is best accomplished with at least some writing. If you're making a phone call, have an outline ready for your talking points. If you're writing an email or a blog post, be aware of how you're representing your cause. You absolutely want to use reason, but it doesn't hurt to use some emotional appeals too. I strongly caution against exaggeration, but if you just list some facts, you won't be persuasive. By the way, never underestimate the power of a good, old-fashioned protest. The media loves them!

Pro Tip:  Think of a friend who has either a neutral or opposing stance on this issue. Would your writing or action persuade them? If so, great job! If not, is there a way you could improve it so that it would?

"Lost In Detention"

Immigrant detention centers are a major blight in our immigration system. I've posted before about the horrible atrocities immigrants may face in these centers, from being relocated to a state hours away from their families to being sexually assaulted by guards. Our system is flawed.

PBS Frontline recently produced a documentary called Lost In Detention that highlights some of these injustices and the legislation at the root of them. It is about an hour long, but well worth your time. Even if you just watch the first 15 minutes, you will be more informed than you were before! Some of these families may not have another voice. Some may not have another chance to speak to you. Please, watch. Even if it's only for a few minutes.

Watch Lost in Detention on PBS. See more from FRONTLINE.

Technology is not the best

Usually I consider myself pretty tech-savvy!

I can make minor adjustments to html tags, I can operate Adobe Photoshop with competency, and Microsoft Office with ease. I'm a regular, and enthusiastic, user of social media.

Even with all of those things in my favor, sometimes even my interactions with technology go... awry. There are so many different web applications and mobile versions of this application or that! And some interface more effectively than others.

Blogger, for example, has a mobile app. Last Saturday, I tried to upload my blog post from the Blogger mobile app. The app gave me a message that said it had posted, then I went to type a post today and found my post from last week in my drafts!

Obviously, I'm not as tech-savvy as I think I am.

Technology is something than many non-profit organizations are struggling to utilize well! It can be difficult keeping up with the best way to get new followers on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, or that new blog you've started to get publicity. There are tips and tricks to each different medium and it can basically be a full time job to successfully use all available

What I think might work best is for organizations to start out with one or two media outlets. Then, as they build a base, add one or two more. This spreads out the amount of time spent learning the "tricks" to getting followers and gives the writer time to acclimate to each platform.

Maybe I'm just oversimplifying! Or maybe my plan moves too slowly and results in missing out on some early involvement. Opinions?

Hello, there!

I've started this blog to correspond with an exploration of charitable non-profit organizations and advocacy writing (read:  its actually homework and my professor is making me).

Ideally, this blog will be a way for me to explore and reflect on things that are going on in the world as well as a way to fulfill the criteria of a class assignment. The requirements include reflecting on the research we do for Writing For Change (the class), but I think doing just that certainly limits my audience.

I don't really want to start going off on a rant about the American Red Cross burning donated blankets (Yeah, that happened. They didn't have enough room to store them over the summer. Like, what?) without also explaining that one thing to consider before donating or volunteering your work or writing talents for a non profit is the non profit's ethical practices. While my classmates would know that relates to the study, any one else may not.

That said, any time I'm being crazy, feel free to comment for clarification. Even if you are a classmate and should know better.

Perhaps I should also add a warning that I'm not always the most formal person, so some posts may be less professional sounding and a little more tongue in cheek. I hope. I don't want to be boring!