For a long time now, I’ve thought about the reasons behind why I write. A few weeks ago I confronted myself and asked why, exactly, I write poetry; when I discovered that I use writing as a tool so “I can feel better,” I realized I needed to do more. To give more than just myself. To avoid selfishness and do something… impactful.

Many times you may run out of reasons to write. There’s no longer a cause, a bigger idea of why you do what you do. Your writing loses its passion, its pulsing energy because of it.

I did not want to lose the passion that I so valued in my writing. So I evaluated my limits as a minor and as a student, and came up with an idea that is both feasible and plausible in my situation. (When you try yourself to write for a cause or charity, be sure to do this as well; avoid allowing your eyes to grow bigger than your hands.)

Today, I am in the process of starting a writing club which will help support a local organization for the blind. These people meet once a week every month through a social and interactive luncheon where the administrators invite guest speakers and encourage activities. I contacted the socials coordinator of this organization (Lighthouse for the Blind), and she was welcome to the idea of the club getting involved. To my excitement, she invited the club to this venue once a month, and mentioned that the members of the club could read their own pieces to the visually impaired in her program. This made me so happy, and I am trying my best to plan for this. It is supposed to happen in either October or November; I am very eager.

In the future, I want to reverse the roles in the meeting and host workshops so that the blind can write their own poetry and short stories, which they can then share with the club members. This would enrich us as high school students and as humans as a whole; I received the idea from my former English teacher, who sent me a link to a website showcasing visually impaired people’s creative writing. You can read their stunning, beautiful work here. Reading through it solidified the club as something I wish to pursue.

I highly encourage writers everywhere to write for a bigger cause than themselves. Use your talent in a way that inspires others; write songs, write speeches, write stories that touch the hearts of those who have shut them out for so long. Write for a plight that words can amend. I recommend looking for organizations like those for the blind that are searching for creative minds to make a difference.

Comment below if you have any ideas on what charity to write for, or if you have suggestions on volunteer work as creative individuals. Change the reasons why you write. Be the reason why others do.