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Features Column 1 Introducing Dalya

Hello everyone,

So, you want to improve your writing to help advance your mission and boost your impact? Good news: You've come to the right place!

In this world of "too much information," clear and concise writing is a powerful tool that no one in the social sector* can afford to ignore. Whether you work for an organization, volunteer for one, or want to get involved, you need great writing skills.

Fact #1: Too much "data clutter" lives out there. Just look at your inbox. To break through, you MUST sharpen your messages to engage the most receptive audiences.

Fact #2: You win credibility with great writing and lose it with poor writing. In the marketplace of ideas, those who can write well are thought of as the "experts." Your materials say a lot about you when you're not around. After all, there's a good reason that we often want to get things "in writing."

Fact #3: Most people under-utilize the power of the written word. Could you be one of them?

In my more than 14 years in the social sector, I've learned a lot about how we use (or misuse) the written word. It's no secret that written communication is a critical key to success in the social sector. But how can you use your writing to improve your programs, fundraising, and public relations?

Those looming deadlines don't help much either.

Does this sound like you?

• You're great at carrying out crucial community programs or services, but feel you can improve the way you write about your important work.
  
• You sometimes view writing as a big headache and want—or need—to do something about it.
  
• You're anxious about your writing or worried about not having enough time... so you procrastinate.
  
• You wish you had more appropriate training or someone to guide you through it.

Well, I'm here to help!

As a consultant to nonprofits and socially responsible businesses, I often find that my clients could benefit from some practical writing tips—and maybe a writing workshop.

Fortunately... you've found the column that's all about helping you boost the quality of your publications, websites, grant proposals, press releases, flyers, emails, and other documents.

Here are some of the questions I plan to cover in the coming months. Undoubtedly, dear reader, you will add to this list:

• Where do I begin?
• How can I be clear and concise?
• How can I spice up my writing and keep it fresh?
  
• How can I make my writing flow better?
  
• How can I edit my own work?
  
• How can I adapt my writing to fit different formats and reach different audiences?
  
• How can I speed up my writing?
  
• How can I overcome writer's block?
  
• How can I get the feedback I need?
  
• What are some of the most common grammatical errors, and how can I avoid them?
  
• How can I use my writing to "market" my organization?
• 
  

Why is writing so important in the social sector?

We have to think strategically about the health of the social sector. While it's important to work with outside experts to get objective opinions, it's also crucial to build the internal capacity of social sector organizations and the individuals who work for them. Writing well is a core skill that can improve your organization across the board. I like to think of the writing process as simply a way to help you think more clearly about your work—and what it all means.

Here are just a few ways that great writing can benefit you:

• Get your points across more effectively;
  
• Save precious time and money by boosting your efficiency;
  
• Position your organization as a crucial resource, attractive community investment, and successful partner;
  
• Get your creative juices flowing as you move your ideas out of your head and into the community;
  
• Avoid the risks of misinterpretation, mixed messages, or embarrassing or costly errors;
  
• Build your professionalism by losing persistent bad habits and gaining self-confidence.

Want some examples? Over the past several years, users of my writing tips, techniques, and reminders have:

• Won grants and donations
  
• Enjoyed great press coverage
  
• Attracted and motivated new readers
  
• Landed jobs, promotions, and praise
  
• Breathed new life into important documents
  
• Watched their writing skills take off
  
• Helped their colleagues improve written materials
  

And you can too!

So... Fire up your keyboard and shoot me an email with your questions for future "Write Right With Dalya" columns. I look forward to reading what's on your mind and I'll do my best to furnish the answers you're looking for.

Until then, Happy Writing!

 

* Social sector is herein defined as: nonprofit organizations (a.k.a. charitable organizations or NGOs), foundations and grantmaking institutions, socially responsible businesses, or other groups or organizations seeking to achieve a social benefit.

If you have a question for Dalya, please send an email to writedalya@idealist.org with the subject "Dalya Question." Please note: Due to the amount of correspondence Dalya receives, she may not be able to reply to your question.