Hope Koonin, Author at Welcome

Writing Endurance: Build Up Your Writing For the Long Run!

April 9, 2025 No Comments

Writing endurance is a vital yet often overlooked aspect of honing your craft. Just as athletes train daily to prepare for their big events, writers must cultivate the ability to consistently produce without losing focus. Whether you’re battling a busy schedule or facing the daunting blank page, building your writing endurance can transform your journey. Discover practical tips to help you practice regularly, set achievable goals, and find inspiration from your favorite authors. Embrace the challenges and triumphs of writing, and watch your skills flourish as you navigate this exciting adventure!

The Unsung Heroes of History: Writers Who Shaped Social Movements

January 20, 2025 No Comments

Social movements begin with someone expressing an idea. Throughout history, many of those ideas have been expressed through literature. Some of these literary heroes are well-remembered long after they first made an impact, but others have slipped through the cracks. Harriet Beecher Stowe and Charles Dickens may sound familiar, but what about Gwendolyn Brooks and William Apess? As cultures continue to build on the positive social movements of the past, we shouldn’t forget the past writers who made an impact. Here are some lesser-remembered authors whose written works have contributed to positive social change. Historical Writers Who Shaped Modern Social Movements Judith Sargent Murray (1751-1820) In 1791, Judith Sargent Murray took up her pen and challenged the world: Why should women be denied an education? Her essay, ‘On the Equality of the Sexes,’ argued for a radical idea—one that would spark change for generations. “On the Equality,” and many more of her essays, argued against negative female stereotypes and advocated for equal education (Ertekin-Taner, 2023). Murray’s writings inspired other women, especially American mothers, to become better educated for the sake of their children. She directly influenced a movement during her lifetime that would be known as “Republican Motherhood,” and this helped to pave the way for other female equal rights movements. Ada Lovelace (1815-1852) While Murray’s work laid the foundation for women’s rights, another lesser-known figure influenced the course of computing: Ada Lovelace. Ada Lovelace wrote often to Charles Babbage, a mathematician whose calculating machines laid the foundation for computers. When Lovelace translated one of his articles from French to English in 1848, she added her own comments, including the idea that Babbage’s invention could be used for more than just mathematics (Siffert, 2024). By translating Babbage’s work and adding her own notes, Lovelace preserved both her and Babbage’s ideas. When the computer science movement began in the early 1900s, Lovelace’s writings became better known, but she is still overlooked today. Even after her death, Lovelace’s writings have helped to shape the computer-rich environment we see today. Overlooked Writers Whose Autobiographies Influenced Social Views Beyond essays and activism, personal stories have the power to shape public opinion. The following writers used their autobiographies to challenge oppression and redefine history. William Apess (1798-1839) William Apess was a mixed-race Pequot writer who published the first known Native American autobiography (Oregon Public, 2003). His essays, sermons, and autobiographical works explained the then-current prejudices against Native Americans, issues within the Native American communities, and the inherent rights of Native Americans as human beings. Apess’s writings made others more aware of the local governments’ corrupt dealings with Native American communities. His works and influence allowed him to advocate both for better treatment outside of Native American communities and improvements within Native American communities. Frederick Douglass (1818-1895) In 1845, Frederick Douglass published his autobiography, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, An American Slave. As a slave who escaped from the American South before the Civil War, Douglass was able to shed light on his experiences to a wide audience while also arguing to abolish slavery. Douglass’s bestselling book helped to grow the number of supporters of the abolitionist movement. This movement influenced the American Civil War and its outcome of the United States deciding to end American slavery. Unsung Writers Who Preserved Culture and History Through Fiction and Poetry While exploring their imaginations, these writers also wrote fiction that engaged their cultural history. Their descriptive writing preserved the past while offering new expressions for the future. Zitkala-Ša (1876-1938) Zitkala-Ša was a Yankton Sioux author who translated and published Sioux myths for an English-speaking audience (Eastern Oregon, 2020). She also wrote essays and books that shared her and her tribe’s history, culture, and modern-day experiences. Through her books, Zitkala-Ša introduced Native American culture to new audiences. Her nonfiction writings also shed light on the unfair treatment of Native Americans, which allowed her and other Native Americans to advocate strongly for equal rights (Mathias, 2022). Gwendolyn Brooks (1917-2000) Gwendolyn Brooks was an author who influenced the American Civil Rights movement through her poetry. She used immersive, descriptive language to draw her readers into vivid images of African American life or cultural figures. Her contributions earned her a Pulitzer Prize for poetry (Boozer, 2021), but she remains overlooked today. Brooks’s poems celebrated people she wanted to emphasize as important contributors to the ongoing movement. Her poems also built on the previous foundation laid by poets and artists during the creative Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s and 1930s. Just as Brooks’s poetry was shaped by artists from previous movements, her poetry shaped artists in later movements. Remembering the Forgotten Influential Writers Whether preserving history, celebrating the present, or advocating for the future, writers have been an important driving force behind social movements in history. These are only a few of the underappreciated writers who have influenced today’s social and cultural views. Today, anyone armed with a pen and a purpose can continue to leave a mark. Without forgetting the past, the writers of today can contribute to positive social change, building on the legacy of these influential authors. Which of these writers inspires you the most? Sources: Boozer, C. (2021, June 7). Creating to Inspire Social Change: A Brief Look into Gwendolyn Brooks. Library of Congress. https://blogs.loc.gov/copyright/2021/06/creating-to-inspire-social-change-a-brief-look-into-gwendolyn-brooks/. Ertekin-Taner, S. (2023, April 12). 9 Must-Read Works of Historical Protest Literature. Catalyst Planet. https://www.catalystplanet.com/travel-and-social-action-stories/9-must-read-works-of-historical-protest-literature. Eastern Oregon University. (2020, October 2). A Look at the American Literary Movements. https://online.eou.edu/resources/article/a-look-at-the-american-literary-movements/. Mathias, M. (2022). Zitkála-Šá (“Red Bird”/Gertrude Simmons Bonnin). National Women’s History Museum. https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/zitkala-sa. Michals, D. (2015). Judith Sargent Murray. National Women’s History Museum. https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/judith-sargent-murray. Oregon Public Broadcasting. (2003). “William Apess (1798-1839).” American Passages: A Literary Survey. Annenberg Learner. https://www.learner.org/series/american-passages-a-literary-survey/spirit-of-nationalism/william-apess-1798-1839/. Siffert, A. (2024). Ada Lovelace and the First Computer Programme in the World. Max-Planck-Gesellschaft. https://www.mpg.de/female-pioneers-of-science/Ada-Lovelace.

Health Literacy: Building a Healthy Foundation

December 3, 2024 No Comments

By: Hope K Explore the challenges of low health literacy and its impact on individuals and communities. Learn about strategies for improvement, the importance of education, and how factors like income and age influence health outcomes. image credit: Pinterest When it comes to health, understanding your situation and making informed decisions during complex scenarios is crucial. Health literacy helps you respond effectively to your body and environment, and strong health literacy can also improve your long-term health. In recent decades, countries have made efforts to improve their citizens’ health literacy, but it continues to be an ongoing challenge. To understand the barriers and advancements in health literacy, it’s important to first define what “health literacy” means. What is Health Literacy? Health literacy is the ability to receive, understand, assess, and apply health information to your personal situation (Sørensen, 2013). It’s crucial for making informed decisions about your health, especially since illness or accidents are unpredictable. A strong health knowledge foundation improves your chances of staying healthy. While a personal foundation for understanding health is vital, understanding how communities access and use health information is equally important. After all, being literate when it comes to health isn’t just for individuals. Community health literacy means understanding how environmental and social factors influence health (Sørensen, 2012). Since the 1970s, governments have increasingly recognized its importance, making strides to improve citizens’ health literacy. While the UN doesn’t associate this topic with a specific sustainable development goal, it recognizes that improving it is vital for achieving health, education, and poverty reduction goals (World Health Organization). Roadblocks to Improving a Community Understanding of Health Even in wealthier countries, many people struggle to understand health information (World Health Organization, 2024). For example, older adults with lower digital literacy may struggle to access online health resources, limiting their ability to make informed decisions. Because low health literacy is linked to poor health outcomes, particularly among young people (Amanu, 2023), it is important to encourage a high health literacy. However, the absence of a clear, standardized definition of this term means that it is difficult to agree on an effective strategy. One challenge is the lack of research on this topic. For example, a study analyzing health literacy studies among young people in Africa found only 17% met the required criteria (Amanu, 2023). Without understanding the current state of health literacy, it’s difficult to implement targeted interventions, as limited studies make it hard to separate general trends from outliers. Much of the conversation around this topic has focused on individuals, leaving gaps in community health literacy. Since health issues involve multiple stakeholders, all parties must be health literate for the best outcomes. Sørensen (2012) also notes that community and individual health literacy are often not adequately distinguished, leading to missed improvement opportunities. Lastly, factors such as education, age, and income affect the ability to develop and use a strong health knowledge foundation, as well as access to trustworthy health information and services (World Health Organization, 2024). Ways to Improve Health Literacy in Communities To overcome these challenges, organizations like the UN have introduced strategies to enhance health literacy. The WHO encourages and supports countries in ongoing evaluations of this issue (World Health Organization, 2024). Regular assessments help governments design better health programs for individuals and communities. The real-time information allows countries to stay informed when unique circumstances arise. Governments across the globe have also worked to introduce easier access to health information. For example, multiple countries have introduced pictorial or color-based warnings for food and tobacco products. The labeling allows individuals to become more aware of the health factor in what they consume, and the visual aspect helps to cut across language barriers (World Health Organization). Some countries have begun to incorporate health literacy when planning education courses (Health Literacy, 2021). For example, France includes a health education course “for pre-school to secondary students,” and Mexico offers a health literacy program for “vulnerable adults” (Health Literacy, 2021 p. 39). By incorporating health into early education and offering resources that engage individuals in the health-decision process, countries equip individuals to make informed personal health decisions. Your Impact on Global Health Literacy For health literacy to continue to improve at both the individual and community level, citizens and governments will need to work together. Governments can contribute, but it is also up to each individual to engage in the process. Consider taking free online courses, attending health workshops, or using government health literacy tools to improve your understanding. By growing your sense of health literacy, you can take better care of yourself, make more confident decisions during stressful medical situations, and contribute to your community’s future. References Amanu A, A., Birhanu, Z., & Godesso, A. (2023). Health Literacy Among Young People in Africa: Evidence Synthesis. Risk management and healthcare policy, 16, 425–437. https://doi.org/10.2147/RMHP.S399196. Health literacy around the world: policy approaches to wellbeing through knowledge and empowerment. (2021). The Economist Intelligence Unit. https://impact.economist.com/perspectives/sites/default/files/lon_-_es_-_health_literacy_paper_v8_0.pdf. Sørensen, K., Van den Broucke, S., Fullam, J., Doyle, G., Pelikan, J., Slonska, Z., Brand, H., & (HLS-EU) Consortium Health Literacy Project European (2012). Health literacy and public health: a systematic review and integration of definitions and models. BMC public health, 12, 80. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2458-12-80. World Health Organization. (n.d.). Health Promotion: The mandate for health literacy. https://www.who.int/teams/health-promotion/enhanced-wellbeing/ninth-global-conference/health-literacy. 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Archive Blog

Writing Endurance: Build Up Your Writing For the Long Run!

The Unsung Heroes of History: Writers Who Shaped Social Movements

Health Literacy: Building a Healthy Foundation