The World & Me 2013
Youth Poetry Contest
Each year, Split This Rock seeks young people's poems on the theme,“The World and Me.” This year's contest, co-sponsored by Live Green, centers on the environment and our energy choices.
Elementary, middle, and high school students in the DC area are invited to submit up to 3 poems to this writing contest sponsored by Split This Rock and Live Green.
Given the drastic climate change we are witnessing and the mass movement for environmental justice around the world, this year the contest has an environmental theme focusing on the earth and our energy choices.
Our energy choices have contributed to terrible things: devastating super-storms, mercury contamination in our fish, millions of air pollution deaths, and even violence and war. Our nuclear power plants are leaking, oil is spilling, smokestacks are spewing, the planet is warming, and we are all suffering the consequences. However, wind and solar can now replace most or all of our energy needs for about the same price and without any of the violent, polluting, and destructive consequences.
Is a brighter future possible?
If you had the power to switch things, how would you build a cleaner, more peaceful tomorrow?
Other prompts to help you write:
- How do you feel about the way humans treat the planet? If Mother Earth could talk, what would she say?
- Our decisions matter. What are some meaningful and impactful choices that you, your family and/or your school can/should make to improve our power supply and our planet?
Tell us, in a poem!
Guidelines:
There are two categories for submissions: those by students 12 and under, and those 13-18 years old.
Students in the DC area can submit 1-3 poems, each 2 pages or less, online at: www.SplitThisRock.Submittable.com
All work must be original poetry by the student submitting. NO PLAGIARISM!
Prizes:
The top 3 winners in each category will receive gift certificates, books of poetry, and will be invited to read their winning poem at the awards ceremony at Busboys and Poets in June.
Presentations & Workshops:
Teachers and schools and encouraged to schedule an in-class visit by Split This Rock teaching artists. Whether 5, 30, or 50 minutes, these classroom presentations help our staff of poets explain the concepts to students and inspire them to write. We also offer help editing and submitting poems.
Email SLAM@SplitThisRock.org to schedule your classroom visit today.
Thank you to everyone who submitted to last year's competition! Learn about last year's winners.
Submit your poems!
Deadline: May 25
Eligible Writers must live or attend school in DC and qualify for one of these age groups: Ages 12 and under OR Ages 13 and up.
Questions? Email slam@splitthisrock.org or call 202-787-5210.
Split This Rock/The World & Me Poetry Contest
1112 16th Street NW, Suite 600
Washington, DC 20036