Social Change through Writing: A Must-Know Guide for Authors
How can writers make an impact? Let's discuss...
I read a fantastic post this week by my good writing friend
about writing for social change. In fact, when Vennie mentioned this topic, I was ecstatic! Both of us are childhood sexual abuse trauma survivors and advocates, so the topic is close to our hearts.We’re talking about writing for social change at tomorrow’s #TheWriteLab space on X (formerly Twitter) every Thursday at 1 pm pst/4 pm est. All are welcome to attend (no requirement to speak). Audio only, so wear your jammies.
Click here right now to set a reminder and add it to your calendar.
Here’s a snippet of Vennie’s post, shared with her permission and attribution:
Writing For Social Change by Vennie Kocsis
Let’s delve into the art of writing with a purpose—specifically, writing to inspire social change. What are the subtleties and considerations involved in addressing social issues through the written word? Prepare yourself for a comprehensive exploration into the craft of writing that seeks to make a difference.
What is social change?
Social change refers to significant and lasting transformations in societal structures, norms, values, and behaviors. These changes can occur at various levels, including individual, community, and systemic. They often result from shifts in public opinion, policy adjustments, or social movements.
Social change aims to improve conditions, discuss injustices, or adapt to new challenges, leading to a more fair and functional society. Examples include civil rights movements, advancements in gender equality, and reforms in education and healthcare.
Why is writing for social change important?
Writing for social change is important because it has the power to influence public opinion, shape policy, and inspire action. Through well-crafted narratives, articles, and advocacy pieces, writers can bring attention to social issues, raise awareness, and mobilize communities.
Effective writing can challenge existing norms, highlight injustices, and propose solutions, contributing to meaningful societal progress. By engaging with readers on an emotional and intellectual level, writing for social change helps to foster empathy, encourage critical thinking, and drive collective efforts towards creating a more just and fair world.
What role does writing play in influencing public opinion and policy?
Writing plays a crucial role in influencing public opinion and policy by shaping how issues are perceived and understood. Through persuasive arguments, detailed analysis, and compelling narratives, writing can highlight key issues, show evidence, and offer solutions.
Media articles, opinion pieces, research reports, and advocacy campaigns can sway public sentiment by providing information, framing debates, and appealing to emotions. Influential writing can prompt policymakers to consider new perspectives, discuss public concerns, and enact changes that align with the interests and values of the community.
By effectively communicating ideas and rallying support, writing can drive political discourse and shape policy decisions…
Click here to read the rest!
Writing For Social Change - An Example
I wrote this article in 2021 for a Medium publication - it all still applies:
5 Reasons Affordable Mental Health Matters For Sexual Abuse Survivors
Most people don’t get involved in a cause until it affects them or someone they love. That’s how our brains and hearts work. We can only take and do so much.
As a childhood sexual abuse survivor at age eleven, who reported and testified (twice) against my abuser, this is my cause. Trauma. Survivorship. Healing.
I write about it (three books so far), created a chat to help others know they’re not alone (#SexAbuseChat on Twitter, every month on the first Tuesday at 1 pm PST), write blog posts and articles, sit on panels, speak, etc.
You name it, I do it — because we have nothing to be ashamed of; we are survivors. We did nothing wrong.
So why am I writing about mental health? Because, on average, estimates put the economic cost of sexual violence in the United States in the trillions of dollars, primarily due to the aftereffects of abuse. Survivors need to be supported and believed when, in fact, we rarely are (another contributor to our mental well-being — or lack thereof). Let’s break it down.
The Emotional Toll
I started dealing with migraines in my late teens, early twenties, and most severely, in my early thirties. This coincided with marriage and the birth of my daughter at age 35, which, while amazing, also sent me into a deep anxiety spiral.
How would I keep her safe? How could I prevent what happened to me from happening to her? The thoughts became obsessive.
My Big Pharma company only allowed four weeks after her birth, so I dragged my frozen self into physician offices as if walking up icy mountains, chipping away bits and pieces each day as best I could simply to function.
The migraines were relentless. I missed many days of work due to pain, depression, and anxiety. Eventually, my gynecologist saw me and remarked, “Where did my happy mama go?” and directed me to a shrink, stat.
Thank goodness for her, and good health insurance because I needed help. The shrink immediately put me on a month’s disability, meds, and twice-weekly therapy. I’m thankful he did. I was a mess.
From a practical standpoint, I often wonder: how much did my missed days cost my company (some bean counter could tell you, I’m sure)? Not that concern for my company’s lost productivity or dollars was at the top of my mind at the time. Yet, how much did these appointments, meds, work loss, and time not spent with my family cost me?
And what if I didn’t have such great insurance?
I know I’ve paid tens of thousands of dollars over the years, particularly when Botox for Migraine first became available and wasn’t covered by insurance; and every new triptan I tried was $30-$50/pill and also, not covered by insurance. Fortunately, that’s changed. Yearly, in a normal year, it probably costs me about $3,000. However…
In July 2021, I had to have a kidney stone removed surgically because it was too big to pass. When I saw my neurologist a few weeks prior to the surgery, she immediately said, “We have to stop your Topamax (an anti-seizure med, also indicated to prevent migraines). Kidney stones are a known side effect.” Great. That surgery cost me over $5,000 with deductible and other pre-op testing and costs.
How much have I personally spent over my adult life due to PTSD and migraines due to the abuse? I’m honestly not sure, though I can tell you, it’s pretty difficult to put a dollar amount on mother’s guilt (unless you’re a lawyer, perhaps).
This leads me to my next point…
Giveaways!
You can enter any or all (I have no financial incentive) to win a $100 Amazon gift card—who doesn’t love that? And books, books, books!
From J. Herman Kleiger: Win a $100 Amazon gift card and a free audiobook version of his latest release, Tears Are Only Water. Click here to enter now. Two winners.
From Stephen Deck: Win a $100 Amazon gift card and a free signed hardcover of his latest release Land of the Story Tellers. Click here to enter now. Two winners.
From Vince Defilippo: Win a $100 Amazon gift card and a free ebook or both The Leftovers Club books (Jojo and Bee’s stories). Click here to enter now. Two winners.
💜 Thank you, Booklinker, my exclusive advertising sponsor for 2024! Free universal book links for all authors. It's super easy to use. And they have a fantastic blog here.💜
See you next week, and happy writing!
Yasssss! This is brilliant. Thank you for sharing, and I so look forward to tomorrow’s space!
What time is your call tomorrow? No time zone listed. Thanks.