The Practical Writer

At our last WordsFlow meeting, talk turned to things the local Council is allowing to happen which will be bad for the environment. It seems that many people in the community feel resigned and helpless, so they don't speak up about these issues.

As writers, though, we have a tool readily available: our ability to express ourselves by the written word. Yes, we could write impassioned poems, songs, stories and scripts that might live forever and influence many people ... or not. But we are also the ones who can write the most powerful letters to our local papers. We have the skills to write them so well that they are likely to be chosen for publication!

Even when it seems that a decision affecting the community is fait accomplit, I think it's still worth speaking out – in writing. Perhaps others will be inspired to do likewise. Even if a decision is not reversed, perhaps 'they' will think twice before making a similar one in future.

Particularly if we use the power of the written word to lobby the appropriate Council person too! One member of the group said she kept emailing the person she thought most directly concerned with environmental issues. When he didn't respond the first time, she started sending him the same email every fortnight, with a note: I wish you would reply to this! Pretty soon he did, and directed her to the person responsible for that area of concern. No doubt she will continue to email that person too, if they are slow to respond!

It reminds me of my favourite bumper sticker (now the slogan for this blog):

WRITERS have the last word.

- Rosemary (Facilitator)