Choosing Original Article Topics

WHAT SHOULD YOU COVER?

As a writer, you are a crucial part of the The Borgen Project’s success.

The articles published by The Borgen Project Blog and BORGEN Magazine shape the messaging of the organization, and create a lasting impact on the public’s perception of global poverty.

This page will guide you through selecting article topics that will engage readers and bring attention to global poverty in an innovative way.

Our Messaging:

At The Borgen Project, we focus on highlighting the positive. Your articles are an opportunity to discuss what’s right in the world, rather than simply focusing on what’s wrong.

Many news outlets insist on portraying impoverished nations, communities and people as helpless (think stereotypical images of starving children and women carrying water). But, that’s not what we do. At The Borgen Project, we are devoted to solving global poverty, and we want to communicate to our readers that these problems can be solved.

We know that the best argument for foreign aid is presenting proof of its past successes. Therefore, in addition to presenting an accurate representation of the conditions at hand, our articles must contain solutions that highlight the progress being made.

Who Gives a Damn?

We want everyone to care about global poverty, and achieving this requires covering global poverty in an innovative way. Before writing, ask yourself:

  • Would I click on this article?
  • Would my parents and friends click on this article?

For example, the average reader will be more inclined to read a story on “5 Ways Hemp Can Fight Poverty and Clean Up the Planet” than one on “Maternal Mortality in Tajikistan.” 

What do you/ your friends/ family/ classmates/ coworkers always seem to be talking about? Is it a certain sport, team or athlete? An entertainer? A clothing brand? A company or business?

Connecting global poverty to topics that already have a large following is a great way to bring attention to our cause and reach an audience that we may not normally have access to.

Make the readers come to the story for celebrities/ sports/ etc. and stay for a discussion on global poverty reduction.

Trending topics in action: One our most-viewed articles is an article covering One Direction’s charitable campaign, action/1D.

What Not To Do

If your topic of choice closely resembles the ones below, it is in need of some restructuring. Here are some great examples of what not to do, and why:

  • The Effects of Genocide in Rwanda
  • Homelessness in Haiti
  • Child Refugees in Uganda
  • Illiteracy in Hungary

What’s the problem?

  • Niche– these topics, while incredibly important, appeal to only a small, specialized section of the general public (most likely readers already familiar with the issue seeking to learn more). Thus, this does not accomplish our goal of engaging the general public in global poverty.
  • Negative– some topics make it incredibly difficult to present solutions. For instance, an article on the 10 most recent genocides in the world leaves little room for presenting a positive outlook.

Your Job

You are reporters, and finding interesting topics requires digging for the story: While choosing the topic for your first article was as simple as browsing through the TNC tab, choosing what to cover for the next nine pieces is a whole new ball-game. This is a great time to self-evaluate and leverage your unique resources:


Events: Be on the lookout for what’s happening in your community. Are there any rallies, protests, gatherings, celebrations, etc. that can be tied to global poverty or development? These types of events provide a unique opportunity to conduct primary research and speak to someone who can provide a first-hand account of events or conditions surrounding a particular issue. For instance, at a march in support of refugee rights, you may meet a refugee who is resettled in your community and able to speak with you about conditions in his or her home country.


College Campuses: Seek out a professor who teaches/ has researched international development and speak to him or her about your internship. He or she may have performed primary research, or may be able to connect you with someone in the field- leading to a unique interview.

You can also reach out to the school’s Media Relations or Communications Department and ask for any developing stories you may be able to cover. This will again give you access to a unique source and perspective.


Libraries: Ask a librarian how to research a specific topic you are interested in! Librarians (and college librarians in particular) know of a plethora of sources you may have never heard of; this will help you develop a cohesive argument and present a perspective you may not have been able to find before.

Headlines

Once you’ve come up with your creative topic, it is crucial to introduce it with a headline that will attract the attention deserved.

Headlines We Love:

Sticker Protects People from Mosquitoes (Kite Patch)
WHY: The issue is relatable and the solution is surprising (and surprisingly simple), making you want to learn more! We’ve all dealt with a pesky mosquito at one time or another, and we’ve heard of the detrimental health effects mosquitoes in developing countries can have. Our brains are wired to think of oversize, inconvenient mosquito nets as the only respite for those in need. But what if there was another option- one as simple as a sticker?

Solar Powered Ovens, Feeding Families and Stopping Deforestation
WHY: Solar power is most often presented an alternative to fossil fuels; but this article suggests it’s much more than that. In addition, solutions as finite as “feeding families” and “stopping deforestation” often attract attention due to their end-all-be-all nature.

Africa’s Motorcycle Ambulances
WHY: It’s surprising and unusual, piquing our interest. The visual helps as well- we immediately picture a motorcycle weaving through traffic to save lives, creating excitement and urgency.

How Bitcoin can fight poverty
WHY: Cryptocurrency is a hot topic, and any articles addressing its potential are a great source of traffic to the site. In this case, “can fight poverty” is a tall claim that attracts attention. Headlines in the style of breaking-news/ exclusive story/finite solutions have a strong impact and spark interest.

The Soccer Ball that Generates Electricity
WHY: This headline effective because the two are seemingly unconnected. The topic is new to most readers, and it sparks curiosity. It is also likely to attract an audience of sports/ soccer aficionados, which is an added bonus.

John Deere Attracts First-Time Buyers of Tractors in Africa
WHY: The brand-recognition component (John Deere) helps bring attention to this headline. In addition, a continent that readers perceive as impoverished is now seeing demand for an expensive U.S. good, demonstrating the benefits of foreign aid.

KFC adds 700 restaurants in South Africa
WHY: KFC is recognized as a fast-food chain that many know (and love). It can be interesting for readers to see a well-known topic in a new light. Here, you are also highlighting the benefit that new markets can have for U.S. businesses.

Poverty and Sleep Deprivation
WHY: The two topics are seemingly unrelated, making the reader wonder about the connection. Furthermore, sleep deprivation is a topic that has received increasing attention with the self-care movement; relating it to poverty will educate an audience interested in their sleep patterns on the effects of global poverty.