Contest sponsored by Change.org, PBC

Description

Every year for Thanksgiving, the Wall Street Journal features a passage from a pilgrim detailing what colonists perceived when they arrived in the “New World.” The passage is full of disdain and racism towards indigenous people, and petition starter Randy, an indigenous activist, thinks it’s time to stop publishing this story. 

But what should one of the nation’s most widely-read newspapers publish on Thanksgiving? How can we as a nation stop honoring the false story behind the holiday and instead tell a story of our nation that honors all Americans, including Native Americans? We want to read something which positions the descendants of the U.S.’ original inhabitants and settlers as modern day accomplices in the fight for a more just nation. 

Change.org is looking for an essay that does just that, and we want you to submit your writing. Randy and our staff will join together to determine the winner, and to submit the winning essay to the WSJ and other publications as a peace offering on Thanksgiving Day.

Prizes

First place winner 

One first-place winner will receive $500 and dedicated support from our team to attempt to get it placed in a widely-read outlet. We will also publish it on Change.org’s website.

Runners-up winners

Two runners-up will receive $100 each and publication of their essay on Change.org’s website.

How to Enter

Email your submission to stories@change.org as a plain text, word, or google document. 

Submissions should ideally be no longer than 600 words in length.

Deadline for Entry

The final day to submit is Thursday November 18th.

Winners will be selected no later than 12pm EST on Sunday, November 21 and notified via email by Monday, November 22.

Eligibility Criteria

This contest is free to enter and no purchase is required. You must be age 16 years or older. You are not required to share the contest on social media in order to be considered. You will be asked to provide your name, email address and phone number at time of submission so that Change.org can contact the winners.

Past and current employees of Change.org and their family members are not eligible to win. Void where prohibited.

Usage Rights

By submitting material to this contest, you grant Change.org, PBC, and its affiliates and licensees a worldwide, irrevocable and perpetual license for it to be displayed, used, modified and publicly distributed for promotional and marketing purposes. You also give us the rights necessary to submit the essay to publications for republication without further compensation. You also acknowledge that your first and last name may be made public in the publication of your essay.