Creative Writing

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.

How are creative writers activating their talents for our common good? What action can you take 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: You can create works that directly address injustices, challenge oppressive systems, and inspire readers to take action. This can include novels, poetry collections, or essays that highlight social issues and encourage activism.

  • Participate in Public Readings and Events: You can engage with communities by participating in public readings, book signings, and panel discussions that focus on social justice topics. These events provide a platform for you to share your perspective, raise awareness and foster dialogue.

  • Collaborate with Advocacy Organizations: You can partner with non-profits, advocacy groups and grassroots organizations to amplify their messages. By aligning your work with social causes, you can contribute your talents to campaigns, educational materials and fundraising efforts.

  • Utilize Digital Platforms: You can leverage blogs, social media and online publications to reach a broader audience and share your views on critical issues. By creating thought-provoking content and engaging with readers online, you can spark conversations and build communities around social change.

  • Teach and Mentor: You can offer workshops, mentorship programs and writing courses focused on social justice themes. By educating and inspiring the next generation of writers, you can help cultivate a new wave of voices dedicated to promoting democracy and advocating for change.

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?