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How to Make a Difference With Poetry

Poetry, as with all art, affects people on an intellectual, emotional and even spiritual level. One poem can inspire people to think in new ways, come up with creative solutions to world problems and take action on their beliefs, according to Art for Social Change.net. Because of this multilayered impact, art is an effective way to inspire social change, educate or help people understand the human condition in a more meaningful way. To use your poetry to make a difference, you'll need to effectively convey your message and get it to the masses.

Instructions

    • 1

      Create a body of work that explores the themes you are interested in, and educates your readers or contributes to the overall tone of your work. One poem may be all it takes to make a bold, important statement or change a person's life, but an entire body of work has the potential to reach more readers and make a difference in more lives.

    • 2

      Publish your poetry in literary journals to build a name for yourself. Start with small college publications and work up to prestigious journals as you gain publishing credits. Consult the "Poets & Writers" website for a comprehensive list of literary journals and their publication requirements. Browse a few issues to make sure your work fits naturally with the publication.

    • 3

      Align yourself with a national or community organization that also supports your mission. For example, if you'd like to write about women's oppression, volunteer at a women's shelter or women's rights organization. Read your poetry at fundraising events, speak out on the topic within your community and work on the front lines of making change. Not only will this help you make a difference, it will also help you get your name out, supply inspiration for future poetry and establish you as a credible expert in your subject area.

    • 4

      Put together a book of poetry with a similar theme and seek publication. Research book publishers by checking the copyright page of your favorite poetry books or by thumbing through "The Poet and Short Story Writer's Market." Book deals take your message to a wider audience and afford you the chance to speak on book tours and as a guest speaker.

    • 5

      Create a website on which you share your vision, your message and some of your poetry. Check with the publisher before posting any of your published pieces online to make sure you're not violating any copyright agreements. Network your poetry via social networking sites, blogs, poetry forums and at speaking engagements.

    • 6

      Enter contests aimed at awarding authors whose work explores social justice, environmental issues, human rights or remarkable personal stories. Offer contests on your website or blog to attract readers and build an audience of like-minded people.

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Poetry

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