AP calls for !NOT! hyphenating most words that begin with the prefix "non." Use a hyphen before proper nouns or in awkward combinations, such as when the base word begins with an "n." [non-nulcear, for example] You should consult Webster's New World Dictionary, Third College edition, if you have a question about whether a "non" word needs a hyphen. But here are some common words: nonprofit (which, by the way, is recognized ONLY as an adjective in the dictionary we use, but is recognized as a noun in newer dictionaries and in common usage.) nonperishable noninvasive nonconformist nonaligned nonrestrictive non-American nonsense (I just threw that one in to be funny. ha. ha.)