Creative Writing as Activism

Poet and writer, Yrsa Daley-Ward uses Instagram to share her poetry and thoughts on mental health, identity, and social justice. Her words and content inspire her followers to reflect and take action.

Poetry. Fiction. Creative Non-Fiction. Words That Move and Mobilize.

Creative writers shape narratives that challenge injustice, spark reflection, and foster unity. How will you use your voice today?

If you are a creative writer, here are ways you might harness your creativity and talents to inspire, mobilize and unite people around common causes:

  • Write Protest Literature: Stories have power. Whether crafting novels, poetry collections, or essays, writers can expose injustice, reclaim narratives, and inspire action. The written word disrupts silence and mobilizes movements.

  • Participate in Public Readings and Events: Spoken words carry weight. Engaging in readings, book signings, or panel discussions turns literature into dialogue, fostering connection and deepening conversations on social justice.

  • Collaborate with Advocacy Organizations: Your words can amplify change. Partnering with nonprofits and grassroots groups allows writers to craft messaging for campaigns, educational projects, and fundraising initiatives that fuel activism.

  • Utilize Digital Platforms: Writing in the digital age extends reach. Through blogs, social media, and online publications, writers spark conversations, challenge misinformation, and build networks that strengthen collective action.

  • Teach and Mentor: The next generation needs voices that guide. Workshops, mentorship programs, and writing courses cultivate new storytellers dedicated to justice, amplifying emerging voices and expanding perspectives.

Write Protest Literature

Poet Henry David Thoreau authored the essay "Resistance to Civil Government" in 1849. Also known as "Civil Disobedience," the piece advocates for nonviolent resistance to unjust laws. Thoreau's words inspired both Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr.

Participate in Public Readings and Events

Toni Morrison was a brilliant thinker and speaker, often delving into profound discussions about race, identity, history, and literature. Her ability to convey the emotional depth and complexity of her characters made her readings unforgettable.

Collaborate with Advocacy Organizations

Author Stephen King and his wife set up a foundation to support initiatives that support various community-based projects in their home state of Maine. The foundation has a special interest in literacy, community services and the arts.

Utilize Digital Platforms

Ocean Vuong uses social media to discuss topics related to identity, immigration, and LGBTQ+ rights. His poetic and poignant posts resonate with readers and encourage them to engage with these critical issues.

Teach and Mentor

Sarah Holland-Batt is an award-winning poet, editor, and critic, and a member of the Creative Writing faculty at Queensland University of Technology. Her teaching and mentorship focus on encouraging writers to address social issues and use their voices to advocate for change.

"Sister Outsider: Essays and Speeches" (along with other novels and essays that have shaped our understanding of human rights) are recommended by Catalyst Planet.

"Sister Outsider: Essays and Speeches" compiles into a single book Audre Lorde’s most influential works that confront racism, sexism, homophobia and classicism. This recommendation along with other novels and essays that have shaped our understanding of human rights comes from Catalyst Planet.

Khaled Hosseini is an Afghan-American novelist.
"Making Peace" by Denise Levertov.

Though Denise Levertov initially drew a line between her poetic works and her commitment to peace and justice, the Vietnam War inspired a change. At the time of her death in 1997, people acclaimed her for not only her poetry but also her political engagement.

Are you aware of a creative writer who is mobilizing meaningful change in the world with their art form?