7 answers
Naomi
Student
Elk River, Minnesota
1
Question
Asked
154 views
How can I use my skills in writing and have a positive impact on the world in my career?
I love writing but I want to make a change in the world. Is there any specific career that lets me do both?
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7 answers
Kristina Wyatt
Freelance Investigative Journalist
1
Answer
Roanoke, Virginia
Updated
Kristina’s Answer
I wholeheartedly agree with Chinyere's answer, Naomi, she offers sound advice and a plethora of excellent career ideas.
If I may offer my own opinion, based on many, many years of experience in the freelance journalism industry, I feel that through my magazine and newspaper article writing I was truly able to make my mark on this world. I feel that my unique voice was heard over the 30+ years I've been writing (off and on in between jobs, marriages, and life lol but thankfully my present is filled with lots of writing work).
Sorry for the winded response but your young enthusiasm blew a much-needed second wind into the old sails of my once-thought-long-silent muse...
If I may offer my own opinion, based on many, many years of experience in the freelance journalism industry, I feel that through my magazine and newspaper article writing I was truly able to make my mark on this world. I feel that my unique voice was heard over the 30+ years I've been writing (off and on in between jobs, marriages, and life lol but thankfully my present is filled with lots of writing work).
Sorry for the winded response but your young enthusiasm blew a much-needed second wind into the old sails of my once-thought-long-silent muse...
Loved reading this, thanks!
Naomi
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
445
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hello Naomi,
Using Your Writing Skills for a Positive Impact
Your passion for writing combined with a desire to make a positive impact can lead to a fulfilling and meaningful career. Many professions offer opportunities to use writing skills to address global challenges and create positive change. Here are a few career paths that might interest you:
Journalism and Media
Investigative journalism: Uncover and expose wrongdoing, corruption, or injustices.
Documentary filmmaking: Create compelling stories that raise awareness about important social issues.
Social media content creation: Use platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok to spread information and inspire action.
Non-Profit Organizations
Grant writing: Secure funding for important causes and initiatives.
Communications and marketing: Develop and implement strategies to raise awareness and support for nonprofit organizations.
Policy analysis: Research and write policy briefs to influence decision-makers on issues like climate change, education, or healthcare.
Government and Public Service
Public relations: Communicate government policies and initiatives to the public.
Speechwriting: Craft speeches and other materials for political leaders.
Policy analysis: Research and write policy recommendations to shape government decisions.
Education and Academia
Teaching: Share your knowledge and passion for writing with students.
Research: Conduct research on important topics and write academic papers.
Curriculum development: Create educational materials that inspire and inform students.
Writing and Publishing
Freelance writing: Write articles, blog posts, or other content for various clients.
Copywriting: Create persuasive and engaging content for advertising and marketing.
Editing and proofreading: Help others improve their writing.
Remember: Even within these fields, you can specialize in areas that align with your values and interests. For example, if you're passionate about environmental issues, you could focus on writing about climate change or sustainable practices.
To find the perfect career for you, consider:
Your interests: What topics do you enjoy writing about?
Your skills: What are your strengths as a writer?
Your values: What causes are important to you?
By combining your writing skills with your passion for making a positive impact, you can find a career that is both fulfilling and meaningful.
Best wishes!
Using Your Writing Skills for a Positive Impact
Your passion for writing combined with a desire to make a positive impact can lead to a fulfilling and meaningful career. Many professions offer opportunities to use writing skills to address global challenges and create positive change. Here are a few career paths that might interest you:
Journalism and Media
Investigative journalism: Uncover and expose wrongdoing, corruption, or injustices.
Documentary filmmaking: Create compelling stories that raise awareness about important social issues.
Social media content creation: Use platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok to spread information and inspire action.
Non-Profit Organizations
Grant writing: Secure funding for important causes and initiatives.
Communications and marketing: Develop and implement strategies to raise awareness and support for nonprofit organizations.
Policy analysis: Research and write policy briefs to influence decision-makers on issues like climate change, education, or healthcare.
Government and Public Service
Public relations: Communicate government policies and initiatives to the public.
Speechwriting: Craft speeches and other materials for political leaders.
Policy analysis: Research and write policy recommendations to shape government decisions.
Education and Academia
Teaching: Share your knowledge and passion for writing with students.
Research: Conduct research on important topics and write academic papers.
Curriculum development: Create educational materials that inspire and inform students.
Writing and Publishing
Freelance writing: Write articles, blog posts, or other content for various clients.
Copywriting: Create persuasive and engaging content for advertising and marketing.
Editing and proofreading: Help others improve their writing.
Remember: Even within these fields, you can specialize in areas that align with your values and interests. For example, if you're passionate about environmental issues, you could focus on writing about climate change or sustainable practices.
To find the perfect career for you, consider:
Your interests: What topics do you enjoy writing about?
Your skills: What are your strengths as a writer?
Your values: What causes are important to you?
By combining your writing skills with your passion for making a positive impact, you can find a career that is both fulfilling and meaningful.
Best wishes!
Hakeem Ola Saka
Freelancer
48
Answers
Maryland Heights, Missouri
Updated
Hakeem Ola’s Answer
Using your writing skills to make a positive impact on the world can open up a variety of meaningful career paths. Here are a few ways you can leverage your talents:
1. Advocacy and Nonprofit Work:
Grant Writing: Many nonprofits rely on grants for funding. Using your writing skills to secure these resources can directly support causes like education, healthcare, or environmental protection.
Campaign Writing: Writing persuasive content for awareness campaigns, social media, or newsletters can mobilize support and encourage positive change on important issues.
2. Journalism and Investigative Reporting:
Investigative Journalism: By uncovering truths and reporting on critical social, environmental, or political issues, you can inform the public and hold powerful entities accountable.
Feature Writing: You can use your voice to highlight underreported stories, marginalized communities, or positive initiatives, inspiring others to act or create change.
3. Content Creation for Health and Wellness:
Health Writing: Writing clear, accessible health-related content (articles, guides, social media posts) can educate people on important topics, improving public health and awareness.
Mental Health Advocacy: Sharing stories or expert-backed advice on mental health can reduce stigma and help people navigate their mental wellness journey.
4. Educational Materials Development:
Curriculum Writing: Create engaging educational content for schools, online courses, or learning platforms. You can contribute to accessible education on diverse topics.
ESL and Language Learning: You could develop content for English learners, helping individuals around the world gain valuable language skills that open doors to education and career opportunities.
5. Environmental and Sustainability Writing:
Environmental Journalism: Writing about climate change, conservation, and sustainability efforts can raise awareness and inspire people to adopt eco-friendly practices.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): You can work with organizations to write impactful reports on their CSR activities, focusing on sustainability or ethical business practices.
6. Political Writing and Speechwriting:
Policy Writing: Helping craft policies or reports for government agencies, NGOs, or think tanks can lead to reforms that improve societal conditions.
Speechwriting: Writing for leaders or advocates in areas you care about can ensure that important ideas are communicated effectively and inspire collective action.
7. Writing for Social Media and Digital Platforms:
Influential Blogging or Vlogging: You can create content around causes that matter to you, such as social justice, environmental sustainability, or education, influencing a wide audience.
Social Media Activism: Use your platform to educate, share resources, and mobilize communities toward positive action.
8. Freelance Writing for Impact:
Writing for NGOs: Many nonprofits and impact-driven organizations need freelance writers to create compelling content that drives donations or support.
Publishing a Book: Consider writing a book or series on important issues, whether it’s fiction addressing social themes or nonfiction that provides educational content.
Writing has the power to shape narratives, inspire change, and inform the public. Whether you choose to work directly with organizations or use your platform to share impactful stories, your writing can help create positive social, cultural, and environmental transformations.
1. Advocacy and Nonprofit Work:
Grant Writing: Many nonprofits rely on grants for funding. Using your writing skills to secure these resources can directly support causes like education, healthcare, or environmental protection.
Campaign Writing: Writing persuasive content for awareness campaigns, social media, or newsletters can mobilize support and encourage positive change on important issues.
2. Journalism and Investigative Reporting:
Investigative Journalism: By uncovering truths and reporting on critical social, environmental, or political issues, you can inform the public and hold powerful entities accountable.
Feature Writing: You can use your voice to highlight underreported stories, marginalized communities, or positive initiatives, inspiring others to act or create change.
3. Content Creation for Health and Wellness:
Health Writing: Writing clear, accessible health-related content (articles, guides, social media posts) can educate people on important topics, improving public health and awareness.
Mental Health Advocacy: Sharing stories or expert-backed advice on mental health can reduce stigma and help people navigate their mental wellness journey.
4. Educational Materials Development:
Curriculum Writing: Create engaging educational content for schools, online courses, or learning platforms. You can contribute to accessible education on diverse topics.
ESL and Language Learning: You could develop content for English learners, helping individuals around the world gain valuable language skills that open doors to education and career opportunities.
5. Environmental and Sustainability Writing:
Environmental Journalism: Writing about climate change, conservation, and sustainability efforts can raise awareness and inspire people to adopt eco-friendly practices.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): You can work with organizations to write impactful reports on their CSR activities, focusing on sustainability or ethical business practices.
6. Political Writing and Speechwriting:
Policy Writing: Helping craft policies or reports for government agencies, NGOs, or think tanks can lead to reforms that improve societal conditions.
Speechwriting: Writing for leaders or advocates in areas you care about can ensure that important ideas are communicated effectively and inspire collective action.
7. Writing for Social Media and Digital Platforms:
Influential Blogging or Vlogging: You can create content around causes that matter to you, such as social justice, environmental sustainability, or education, influencing a wide audience.
Social Media Activism: Use your platform to educate, share resources, and mobilize communities toward positive action.
8. Freelance Writing for Impact:
Writing for NGOs: Many nonprofits and impact-driven organizations need freelance writers to create compelling content that drives donations or support.
Publishing a Book: Consider writing a book or series on important issues, whether it’s fiction addressing social themes or nonfiction that provides educational content.
Writing has the power to shape narratives, inspire change, and inform the public. Whether you choose to work directly with organizations or use your platform to share impactful stories, your writing can help create positive social, cultural, and environmental transformations.
Dora Endre
Filmmaker and stage director, writer
10
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Dora’s Answer
Hello Naomi,
That is a wonderful question and quest. I would suggest journalism, working with NGOs, and looking into screenwriting! At the moment, if you have not much experience yet, start your own blog or frequently pen posts on topics you are eager to cover. Experiment, practice, sharpen your skills and find those themes and topics you really strongly gravitate towards. Do not shy away from sharing your opinion either, op-eds are great and rarely bold or engaging these days. And of course, no matter what you try, if people kick you out through the door, find a window and get back in.
All the very best,
Dora Endre
That is a wonderful question and quest. I would suggest journalism, working with NGOs, and looking into screenwriting! At the moment, if you have not much experience yet, start your own blog or frequently pen posts on topics you are eager to cover. Experiment, practice, sharpen your skills and find those themes and topics you really strongly gravitate towards. Do not shy away from sharing your opinion either, op-eds are great and rarely bold or engaging these days. And of course, no matter what you try, if people kick you out through the door, find a window and get back in.
All the very best,
Dora Endre
Zoya Naeem
freelancer
19
Answers
Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
Updated
Zoya’s Answer
There are several career paths where you can use your writing skills to create a positive impact on the world. Here are some options to consider:
1. Nonprofit Communications & Grant Writing
Working with nonprofits or charitable organizations can allow you to write for causes that you are passionate about, such as education, healthcare, social justice, or environmental issues. Grant writers are essential in helping nonprofits secure funding, while communications roles focus on spreading awareness and inspiring action.
- Impact: By crafting compelling stories or proposals, you help organizations make real-world changes through securing funding or increasing awareness.
2. Journalism Focused on Social Justice or Investigative Reporting
Journalism is a powerful tool for raising awareness on critical social issues such as inequality, human rights, climate change, and corruption. Investigative reporting or journalism focused on marginalized communities can shine a light on underrepresented issues and drive public policy change.
- Impact: You inform and educate the public, holding institutions accountable and influencing positive societal change.
3. Content Creation for Mental Health and Wellness**
The mental health and wellness space is growing, and there’s a strong need for empathetic and informative writing that supports mental well-being. As a content creator or blogger, you can address mental health, emotional intelligence, and self-care, offering guidance to people who need it.
- Impact: By creating accessible, healing content, you can help people better understand their mental health, reduce stigma, and provide resources for improving well-being.
4. Environmental or Climate Change Writing
Writing for environmental organizations or platforms focused on climate change allows you to contribute to the global conversation about sustainability and the future of the planet. You could write for educational platforms, advocacy groups, or green businesses to help drive environmental awareness and action.
- Impact: Your writing could inspire people to adopt more sustainable lifestyles or influence policy changes to address environmental issues.
5. Advocacy & Policy Writing
You can work in the field of policy and advocacy, helping write documents that influence laws, social policies, and reforms. Think tanks, NGOs, and government bodies often need skilled writers to translate complex policy into accessible language for the public or politicians.
- Impact: Your words could shape policies and laws that create long-term social improvements.
6. Education Writing
Writing educational materials, children's books, or curriculum content can help shape the next generation. This includes working in instructional design, literacy programs, or creating resources for underserved communities.
- Impact: By writing engaging educational content, you empower learners with knowledge, which can break cycles of poverty and inequality.
7. Health Communication
With a background in writing, you can craft educational content about health topics for the general public. Health communicators work in public health organizations, hospitals, or even on government campaigns to inform and educate people about healthcare access, disease prevention, and wellness practices.
- Impact: You can directly influence how people understand their health, contributing to healthier lifestyles and better access to healthcare.
8. Humanitarian Reporting & Crisis Communication
If you have a passion for covering global crises, humanitarian writing is impactful. Writing about refugees, disaster relief efforts, or global poverty issues for organizations like the UN, Red Cross, or Doctors Without Borders can raise awareness and funding for critical interventions.
- Impact: Your storytelling can mobilize support for urgent humanitarian causes and shine a light on those in need.
9. Creative Writing for Social Change
Fiction, poetry, or screenwriting can also be powerful tools for change. Writers like George Orwell, Toni Morrison, or Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie have used literature to challenge societal norms and spark movements. You can use storytelling to tackle issues like racism, inequality, or human rights.
- Impact: By creating emotionally resonant stories, you can open minds, challenge preconceptions, and inspire people to act.
10. Digital Marketing for Ethical Brands
If you’re skilled in SEO, copywriting, or content strategy, working for ethical or purpose-driven companies can be fulfilling. You could write content for social enterprises, sustainable brands, or startups focused on improving people’s lives and the environment.
- Impact: Your work would help these companies grow and spread positive, ethical practices.
Next Steps:
- Identify what issues or causes you are passionate about (e.g., environment, social justice, education).
- Research organizations or industries aligned with these causes that need skilled writers.
- Consider building a portfolio that showcases your ability to write with purpose and impact.
With your strong writing skills, you can find a fulfilling career that lets you contribute to meaningful change!
1. Nonprofit Communications & Grant Writing
Working with nonprofits or charitable organizations can allow you to write for causes that you are passionate about, such as education, healthcare, social justice, or environmental issues. Grant writers are essential in helping nonprofits secure funding, while communications roles focus on spreading awareness and inspiring action.
- Impact: By crafting compelling stories or proposals, you help organizations make real-world changes through securing funding or increasing awareness.
2. Journalism Focused on Social Justice or Investigative Reporting
Journalism is a powerful tool for raising awareness on critical social issues such as inequality, human rights, climate change, and corruption. Investigative reporting or journalism focused on marginalized communities can shine a light on underrepresented issues and drive public policy change.
- Impact: You inform and educate the public, holding institutions accountable and influencing positive societal change.
3. Content Creation for Mental Health and Wellness**
The mental health and wellness space is growing, and there’s a strong need for empathetic and informative writing that supports mental well-being. As a content creator or blogger, you can address mental health, emotional intelligence, and self-care, offering guidance to people who need it.
- Impact: By creating accessible, healing content, you can help people better understand their mental health, reduce stigma, and provide resources for improving well-being.
4. Environmental or Climate Change Writing
Writing for environmental organizations or platforms focused on climate change allows you to contribute to the global conversation about sustainability and the future of the planet. You could write for educational platforms, advocacy groups, or green businesses to help drive environmental awareness and action.
- Impact: Your writing could inspire people to adopt more sustainable lifestyles or influence policy changes to address environmental issues.
5. Advocacy & Policy Writing
You can work in the field of policy and advocacy, helping write documents that influence laws, social policies, and reforms. Think tanks, NGOs, and government bodies often need skilled writers to translate complex policy into accessible language for the public or politicians.
- Impact: Your words could shape policies and laws that create long-term social improvements.
6. Education Writing
Writing educational materials, children's books, or curriculum content can help shape the next generation. This includes working in instructional design, literacy programs, or creating resources for underserved communities.
- Impact: By writing engaging educational content, you empower learners with knowledge, which can break cycles of poverty and inequality.
7. Health Communication
With a background in writing, you can craft educational content about health topics for the general public. Health communicators work in public health organizations, hospitals, or even on government campaigns to inform and educate people about healthcare access, disease prevention, and wellness practices.
- Impact: You can directly influence how people understand their health, contributing to healthier lifestyles and better access to healthcare.
8. Humanitarian Reporting & Crisis Communication
If you have a passion for covering global crises, humanitarian writing is impactful. Writing about refugees, disaster relief efforts, or global poverty issues for organizations like the UN, Red Cross, or Doctors Without Borders can raise awareness and funding for critical interventions.
- Impact: Your storytelling can mobilize support for urgent humanitarian causes and shine a light on those in need.
9. Creative Writing for Social Change
Fiction, poetry, or screenwriting can also be powerful tools for change. Writers like George Orwell, Toni Morrison, or Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie have used literature to challenge societal norms and spark movements. You can use storytelling to tackle issues like racism, inequality, or human rights.
- Impact: By creating emotionally resonant stories, you can open minds, challenge preconceptions, and inspire people to act.
10. Digital Marketing for Ethical Brands
If you’re skilled in SEO, copywriting, or content strategy, working for ethical or purpose-driven companies can be fulfilling. You could write content for social enterprises, sustainable brands, or startups focused on improving people’s lives and the environment.
- Impact: Your work would help these companies grow and spread positive, ethical practices.
Next Steps:
- Identify what issues or causes you are passionate about (e.g., environment, social justice, education).
- Research organizations or industries aligned with these causes that need skilled writers.
- Consider building a portfolio that showcases your ability to write with purpose and impact.
With your strong writing skills, you can find a fulfilling career that lets you contribute to meaningful change!
Neema JnBaptiste
1
Answer
Covington, Georgia
Updated
Neema’s Answer
I have seen that many wonderful recommendations shared above👏 and don't want to be repetitive. The examples outlined are all great options that you can explore as long as they are aligned with your goals.
I would highly suggest the path of authorship as an option. You can think about writing ✍️ books which will bring out the positive impact you aspire to have. However, it is critical to determine specifically what kind of positive impact you would like to have, who do you want to have this impact on (age range, gender etc) how you can communicate that effectively through your books, how you will reach your audience and what path you will take to go about achieving this (Self-publishing, traditional, hybrid etc). That way you can be more intentional as you pursue this goal.
I would highly suggest the path of authorship as an option. You can think about writing ✍️ books which will bring out the positive impact you aspire to have. However, it is critical to determine specifically what kind of positive impact you would like to have, who do you want to have this impact on (age range, gender etc) how you can communicate that effectively through your books, how you will reach your audience and what path you will take to go about achieving this (Self-publishing, traditional, hybrid etc). That way you can be more intentional as you pursue this goal.
Marzia Sultan
Tech Writer/Editor
10
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Marzia’s Answer
There sheer fact you love writing can change the world. Maybe not overnight but writing is a form of art and communication and expression sometimes it gives voice to the voiceless can shed light on important topics, can start crucial conversations that impact individuals or communities. Just being a writer is one of the bravest things to be because you are expressing and putting thought and ideas into the world. How you can improve at it is in a few ways:
Search up writing workshops and find the writing style that works for you and allows you to find your most authentic written voice. Finding works of wroters you enjoy but also writers that maybe you don’t can help with this too in further identifying your best individual writers voice. You can do this by analyzing written bodies of work and dissect why you like certain writers and their work. What you like about the contents of the work, how the writers uses literary tools to express a certain message. Try to have it peer reviewed as well by people you trust that can help you navigate what your most honest and creative writing style is!
Free write free write free write. Sometimes the best way to organize thoughts and ideas is to get them all out first, then you can work on organizing and structuring what you are trying to say.
Which brings me to my next tip look up different writing tenplates and texts books and try different writing prompts as well as mirroring works as I mentioned in the first tip.
Happy writing! Remember writing means creativity and freedom to express! Have something to say have opinions create worlds , think outside the box that’s how you change the world one piece and reader at a time. Take your time to improve your skills and find who you are as a writer and what is important for you to showcase.
Good luck!
Search up writing workshops and find the writing style that works for you and allows you to find your most authentic written voice. Finding works of wroters you enjoy but also writers that maybe you don’t can help with this too in further identifying your best individual writers voice. You can do this by analyzing written bodies of work and dissect why you like certain writers and their work. What you like about the contents of the work, how the writers uses literary tools to express a certain message. Try to have it peer reviewed as well by people you trust that can help you navigate what your most honest and creative writing style is!
Free write free write free write. Sometimes the best way to organize thoughts and ideas is to get them all out first, then you can work on organizing and structuring what you are trying to say.
Which brings me to my next tip look up different writing tenplates and texts books and try different writing prompts as well as mirroring works as I mentioned in the first tip.
Happy writing! Remember writing means creativity and freedom to express! Have something to say have opinions create worlds , think outside the box that’s how you change the world one piece and reader at a time. Take your time to improve your skills and find who you are as a writer and what is important for you to showcase.
Good luck!