The Rules

What

The Unsealed wants you to write a poem to the world, or to your community, about the change you want to see in the world (examples Racism, gun violence, homelessness, etc.)

What

First Place – selected by The Unsealed – $200

Bonus Prize – Selected by Votes – $50

Member votes count 5x. Non-Member Votes Count 1x

Who

You must be over 18 and a member of The Unsealed Community. You can sign up for The Unsealed Here

_{*no relatives or employees of The Unsealed are permitted to enter}

When

All Entries must be in by midnight on May 16, 2023  11:59 Eastern Time

Those moving on to round two will be announced by July 17th

Voting will start July 17th and end August 18th at 11:59pm Eastern Time. Winners will be announced August 21st. 

Letter Requirements

• Entries must be in English
• The poem can’t mention anyone’s name except yourself (Example: you can call someone a friend, a neighbor, a teammate or a family member but you can’t call them by their name, John Smith)
• The poem must be original writing by the person submitting the letter
• The poem must not have been published anywhere else
• The poem can’t be defamatory toward another person
• The poem must be less than 900 words
• Only one entry per person
• Include a headline for your letter and a photo that goes with your story (you must own the rights to the photo)

Rights

You will own the rights to your entry but by entering the contest you will give us permission/limited license to publish the letter and any pictures you provide on The Unsealed. You will also allow us to promote your entry on social media using your letter and the provided picture.

How it will be judged

• Organization that is logical and effective, is the poem easy to read and understand?
• Creativity/originality, is there anything that makes this poem unique?
• Message/insight – does the poem offer a thoughtful message?
• Impact/Inspirational – is the story powerful and inspirational?
• Accurately addresses the topic – does this poem share a message of resilience?

Good Luck!