At the start of each month, we send at least 10 writing prompts (usually more) to the subscribers of our Monthly Nonprofit Writing Prompts E-Newsletter.
These prompts help you come up with ideas for articles, stories, press releases, blog posts, Facebook updates, letters, and other content.
We send them a month ahead so you’ll have time to think about the ideas and incorporate them into your editorial calendar.
The emails are usually broken down into these headers:
- On the Calendar – important dates, holidays, cause awareness days, etc
- Metaphor of the Month – how you can relate your cause to something else
- Pop Culture, Events, and News – what’s happening that month that people will be talking about
- Source of the Month – other places to find writing inspiration
Monday, August 3rd, we will send the writing prompts for September to our 11,000+ subscribers.
Here is a sampling of what will be in that email:
On the Calendar:
9/6: Read a Book Day. Review a book that highlights your cause. Suggest books to your volunteers that will help them get fired up. (International Literacy Day is also on the 8th)
9/7: Labor Day. Is your organization helping find jobs for those out of work? Interview a volunteer on how they juggle a career and volunteering.
9/19: International Talk Like a Pirate Day. Have fun on social media translating your industry jargon into pirate terms and see if anyone knows what you mean.
9/28: Ask a Stupid Question Day. Is your organization one that’s hard to explain? Know some people who are embarrassed to admit they don’t know the answers? Do a top-ten list of stupid questions you have received. Or turn this idea upside down and take an “apathetic” question like “How can we possibly make a difference, so why bother?” and tell how you will.
September is also:
Hispanic Heritage Month
Baby Safety Month
Self Improvement Month Classical Music Month
Metaphor of the Month
This month’s metaphor is School. Think about classrooms, textbooks, a syllabus, principals, teachers, students, tests, desks, chalkboard, recess, subjects, detention, field trips, homework, and report cards.
How can you relate these things to your organization?
Pop Culture, Events, and News
The first day of Autumn is the 23rd.
Many TV shows begin new seasons this month.
Major League Baseball wraps up its regular season.
Source of the Month
ICYMI. Stands for “In Case You Missed It” and several news outlets are using this format for a roundup of the day’s (or week’s) events, news, or updates. You can feature your own blog posts and articles or include others that deal with your cause.
Want the full list of prompts for September and the upcoming months?
Just fill out the form below and you’ll be added to the Writing Prompts mailing list and will receive Monday’s email. (If you sign up later, then you will be all set to receive the newsletter next month.)
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