Guide to Language Arts and Writing
From The Observatory
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Editor: Danica Tomber
Source: The Observatory
Humans have used storytelling for millennia to understand and make sense of the world. Storytelling is a powerful tool that takes many forms. It is used not just in fiction but also in nonfiction. Literature and other forms of writing encourage us to develop our critical thinking, awareness, and curiosity about the world around us. The Observatory Guide to Language Arts and Writing investigates the power of narrative, examining how it can help us understand ourselves, connect with others, imagine new possibilities, solve problems, and question the status quo. The guide offers thought-provoking insights into the role that language and storytelling play in shaping human expression.
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By Katherine Dolan | From Earth Food Life Project
When we view literature not as a form of escapism but as a means of making sense of our realities, we see how narrative is imperative. The science fiction genre is a powerful literary tool for examining societal possibilities and warning of consequences. Its sub-genre, climate fiction, or “cli-fi,” frames this discourse within the context of environmentalism. Katherine Dolan emphasizes the importance of storytelling as a means of encouraging climate action amid climate crises that are too often conveyed only through neutral measures, such as statistics and abstract reports, leaving many wondering what we can do to inspire change. Cli-fi can help us move from anxiety, or even apathy, about the climate crisis to hope and agency.
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By April M. Short | From Local Peace Economy Project
In a world where we are met with a seemingly constant onslaught of news coverage on tragedies occurring around the globe—or living those experiences directly—hope, love, healing, and understanding can seem part of a distant reality. The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which began in 2023, is a stark example of human cruelty; alongside mass protests and calls for a ceasefire, poetry has emerged as another form of political response. April M. Short interviews Poet Laureate Devorah Major, shedding light on how poetry can help us navigate the complexities of our world, uncover its truths, and engage with our humanity.
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By Birgitta Vaivai-Soderberg | From The Observatory
Caregivers come in many forms, from health professionals to family and friends. While some aspects of this support can be rewarding, its providers, particularly informal caregivers, are confronted with stress, grief, burnout, financial demands, skill gaps, and more. Birgitta Vaivai-Soderbergh offers a way through this challenging time via the power of creativity, exploring three types of creative writing: expressive, memoir, and fiction. Creative writing can not only be healing but also empowering.
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By Isabelle Métivier | From The Observatory
Nonprofits are essential lifelines for the communities they serve, but securing funding through grants and donations is no easy endeavor. As Isabelle Métivier illustrates, this means transitioning from inspiration to impact, a skillful approach that combines narrative, which contextualizes the need and garners interest, with data, which demonstrates effectiveness. This step-by-step guide outlines the process of identifying stories, organizing data, and customizing messages for potential funders. Given the challenges and complexities that nonprofits face in staying afloat, data-driven storytelling is an invaluable skill.
