29

Jun

Writing to Change the World

The world sucks. War, famine, poverty, injustice and inequality are some of the reasons why. And that isn’t including other important issues such as chocolate bars getting smaller and more expensive, reality television taking over the airwaves, Facebook changing the way we communicate and the ongoing mystery of the disappearance of the bumble bee! Yes, the world does indeed suck. So what can you do about it? Write!

There are many things in the world that are unjust. We can often feel helpless and inadequate in doing anything to bring the changes the world needs. It is you, the online writer, who can bring about some of that change. Instead of being apathetic, communicate your feelings with the written word. Your writing can make a difference. Even if you only touch one person with your writing you have already made an impact. That one person could be inspired to do something and inspire others. Your words can trigger something totally unexpected and bring about a change, however small, that will make a positive impact on the world we live in.

Be passionate in your writing. What is that makes your blood boil? Is it global warming, sex trafficking, animal cruelty, the health service? Think of something and write. Share your views on Facebook, Twitter, emailed newsletters, local newspapers, relevant websites etc. Write with conviction and change the way people think about the issue that gives you concern. Your words may encourage people to give money to help the cause, move abroad to work with charities, communicate the issue to others, and more. Your writing may spread from local to national newspapers and you may become the bringer of peace. Or you may just brighten or challenge one person’s day. No matter what, write, write, write. Be a voice that stands up for the lonely, the weak and the helpless.

Write about what matters. Too much of our news today is made up of areas that don’t matter. Why write about such things? Who cares about the latest celebrity marriage, what that person was wearing at the awards ceremony, what politician made a fool of himself eating a sandwich? Sadly people do care and it makes money for writers who write on such things. This is shallow and tiresome and makes no change to the world at all. You however are better than that. Instead of posting a picture of your new shoes on Facebook share a picture of a homeless person. Rather than post a picture of your dinner instead post a picture of a starving child. And write about the picture. Send links to websites where people can find out more about such issues. Broaden the way people think rather than feed them with junk.

You can make a difference. It is unlikely that you have super strength, the ability to fly, or shoot laser beams out of your bottom. But you can write and the written word can make a powerful impact. So what are you doing now? Thinking about what you are going to have for lunch? Keeping up with the Kardashians? Stop it, be bold and creative. Be passionate.

Change the world, one word at a time.