Writing Social Justice 

You want to publish your story. Perhaps you're trying to incite action. Or maybe you just want to prove a point. Regardless, you want to make sure that it gets the right attention. Here's what you need to know about writing and publishing your personal story on a social justice blog.

Create an Outline

Every good story begins with an outline. An outline is just a framework for your story, but it gives you a solid starting point. Where do you want your story to begin? Where do you want it to end? When we talk about autobiographical events and issues, it can be difficult to really identify the scope of the story. Creating an outline can help. (This is also the stage at which you might pitch it to a publication, if you want to do so.)

Sit Down and Write

When writing your story, don't self-edit. Just write what you want to write and let it flow. You can edit it later. Self-editing too much is often what leads to "writer's block" and makes it hard to actually get through the story. Imagine yourself telling your story to a friend or family member. What would you emphasize? How does everything make you feel?

Think About Your Message

You want to affect change. Think about what you want people to take away from your piece. What's a key message that you want them to take? What's the next step? The core of a good piece is usually what the person continues to think about afterwards, and the ways in which the piece impacts them in the future.

There's a difference between a revolutionary social justice blog and a liberal social justice blog; make sure you know what you're posting to. If you're interested in connecting with the radical left, and not just any liberal social justice blog, contact The GroundUp.