Montana youth poetry contest calls for submissions
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News from Express to Speak
MONTANA – Express to Speak is now accepting entries for their 2020 Envision Youth Poetry call for submissions.
Montanans age 18 years or younger are encouraged to submit one or more poems of original works for publication. For the past 14 years, Express to Speak’s expressive arts program has empowered thousands of students in Montana classrooms.
As an educational nonprofit organization, it now aims to support students and educators by providing an opportunity for young creatives to express themselves through poetry.
“Putting words and thoughts on paper is now more important than ever,” said Browning High School librarian Amy Conrey Andreas. “Writing helps focus and calm the mind in the midst of our chaotic and unpredictable lives. Writing helps us identify and express those comforting ribbons of emotion and experience that unite us.”
The 2020 Envision Youth Poetry call for submissions is not a contest but an invitation for young Montanans to harness their voice during such unprecedented times.
“The future of society is in the hearts and minds of the youth,” said Express to Speak founder Tahj Kjelland. “Express yourself: poetry is power.”
2020 Envision Youth Poetry submission prompt: using your imagination, compose a poem about the world as you see it now, and your vision for the future. What does your life look like? What does the planet look like? How do you feel? What is least and most important to you?
June 11 is the submission deadline. Poem word count should be 100 words or less. Poems may be written in any format using a voice and perspective of choice. Multiple submissions are encouraged. Only original work will be accepted.
Creatives are encouraged to write multiple drafts of their poem(s) before submitting a final draft. Submissions will be reviewed by E2S staff and board. Selected poems will be published on the E2S website on July 11 and considered for future publications. There is no submission fee and all entrants will receive an E2S journal upon entry. This is not a contest and poem guidelines are flexible to encourage creative, imaginative, raw and real ideas.
Submit your poem(s) on the Express To Speak website at www.expresstospeak.org or email submissions to expresstospeak@gmail.com.
Express to Speak© is a Montana 501(c)(3) educational nonprofit organization and youth engagement program designed to empower participants through creative expression. Based on social science theory and therapy practices, Express to Speak assists adolescents and transitional-aged youth in reducing maladaptive thinking to instill productive, pro-active thinking through spoken word, poetry, creative writing, self-expression, dialogue and dynamic performance. Founded in 2006 by poet and performance artist Tahj Kjelland, E2S has partnered with organizations and educators across Montana to bring its interactive program into the classroom. E2S associated projects include the award-winning Browning Rising Voices Poetry Club, the documentary “In This Together, We Are One: The Buffalo Unity Project,” and more.
