5 ways to write an inspiring manifesto.

MANIFESTO. noun.
/ˌmanəˈfestō/

A written statement to publicly declare your intentions, motives, or beliefs.
From the Latin manifestus — to manifest, to clearly reveal, to make real.

Writing a manifesto can help you clarify what you believe and what type of contribution you want to make in the world.

If you feel like writing a manifesto is something that only presidential speechwriters and poet laureates can do… think again!

Here are 5 different ways to write a manifesto.

(You can choose 1 of these ideas or combine a couple of them together to create a manifesto format that suits you. Enjoy!)
 

1. I BELIEVE …

Just state what you believe. Simple as that. One sentence, a bullet-point list, or a whole commencement address.

“I believe in the power of love.”

“I believe that everyone and everything is fascinating — and that everyone has a story worth telling.”

Or — for an unexpected twist — state what you no longer believe. (And why.)
 

2. I WANT TO LIVE IN A WORLD WHERE …

Paint a vision of the world you want to live in. What’s different? What’s better? What’s easier?

This is your version of Dr. King’s “I Have A Dream” speech.

“I want to live in a world where girls at risk have a way out — and up.”

“I want to live in a world where organic food is just as affordable as fast food.”

Wrap it up by explaining how you are working to create that “better world.” Tell your reader how she can join your revolution.
 

3. HERE’S WHAT I KNOW FOR SURE …

How very Oprah of you! Reveal a few undeniable truths in a poem, an essay, or a list.

“Here’s what I know for sure: love is the antidote to fear.”

“Here’s what I know for sure: when you fall asleep for the last time, you won’t wish you’d spent more time linking, tweeting, and liking. You’ll wish you’d spent more time kissing, laughing, and loving.”

You can frame this as a letter to your younger self. Or a collection of truisms for a sister, child, client, or friend.
 

4. ALWAYS WEAR SUNSCREEN …

Share a collection of straight-shootin’ tips and advice from the perspective of someone who’s not “perfect” — just a few steps ahead on the path.

This is your version of Mary Schmich’s classic “Always Wear Sunscreen” speech.

“Love yourself even if you’re working on changing yourself.”

“Use the expensive perfume. Wear the saucy panties. Nobody needs to know. Unless they do.”
 

5. THE MICRO-MANIFESTO

If you were at the world’s biggest open mic night — and you had just fifteen seconds on the microphone — what would you holler out into the crowd? (Quick! Go! There’s not much time!)

“Just dance, babycakes!”

“No one on earth can do what you do… in precisely the way that you do it.”
 

I hope these ideas got your manifesto-wheels turning!

If you’re craving even more manifesto goodness, here is a three-line template that you can take for a spin. Happy writing!