I’ve found that teaching writing workshops is a great way to accomplish several goals:
1. Getting out of the house — a big goal if you work at home!
2. Meeting new people
3. Diversifying my income
4. And best of all, keeping in touch with the challenges writers in the nonprofit sector face and learning what questions they have.
Teaching may not be something you enjoy. After all, many freelancers write for a living because it means they don’t have to do much talking. But if you do enjoy teaching, I highly recommend developing a workshop or two. I have learned as much about the nonprofit sector’s communications needs by teaching workshops as I have by actually working with clients.
Many community colleges are thrilled to add new courses to their continuing education programs, and many larger universities offer certificate programs that need instructors. Also check with associations in your state that address the issues or clientele you are focusing on to see if they will co-sponsor your workshop with you.
