Deadline: 31 July 2011
Open to: writers, former and present Peace Corps volunteers are strongly encouraged to apply
Prizes: $5,000
The National Peace Corps Association and the SEVEN Fund are sponsoring a global competition inviting the submission of essays that describe innovative ideas for fighting poverty.
The National Peace Corps Association (NPCA), a nonprofit organization created to support Returned Peace Corps Volunteers and the Peace Corps community, was established in 1979. Social Equity Venture fund(SEVEN) is a virtual non-profit organization founded to enhance the rate of innovation to provide enterprise-based solutions to poverty.
Essay Topic
“Solutions to poverty require innovative technology and communications, greater attention to women, increased job generation and the promotion of sustainable grassroots efforts.” Authors are invited to share their first person accounts of enterprise solutions to poverty and the topics above.
Submissions Criteria
Submissions will be evaluated by a panel of judges, in relation to the following criteria:
- an engaging hook or premise;
- a clearly defined agenda or thesis;
- emotional appeal;
- compelling data;
- well-crafted arguments;
- robust discussion; and
- a powerful close.
Submitted essays should be 750-1200 words and will be accepted from April 15 – July 31, 2011.
Eligibility
The National Peace Corps Association (NPCA) and SEVEN invite writers to submit essays exploring first person experiences with small enterprise development solutions to poverty in the developing world. Former and present Peace Corps volunteers are strongly encouraged to apply. Essays should highlight personal grassroots efforts and successes that can serve as models for creating prosperity around the world. We welcome and encourage papers that approach this topic through the lens of diverse cultural, religious, philosophical, technical, and academic traditions, as our goal is to assemble a collection of essays that is definitive both in breadth and depth.
How to Apply
Essay must be submitted electronically in an MS Word or PDF format only via email with subject header “SEVEN Fund Essay Contest submission”. All information requested, including contact information, abstract, and essay should be included in a single document.
The email address for submission is: contest@peacecorpsconnect.org
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