Speak Up for Change Schedule

Here you will fine our submission deadlines, article publication schedule, and topic descriptions for contributors.

Feel free to submit articles in-between these topics and to make proposals for additions. We accept submissions relating to any of our main themes of poverty, education and social activism, on both an international and local level and will consider all submissions for futureuse on the blog.

Note: Details on this page are subject to change at any time. Registered contributors are to refer to emails for most updated information on assignments, deadlines and any revised publication schedules. Register as a contributor here.

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Writing Topic Schedule 2009-2010

Part 2: January - June 2010

Note that the following schedule is subject to change. Check back for additions and updates. Register as a Writer here to receive email updates from the Editor.

Universal Healthcare
Due: January 10th 2010
Healthcare is a very essential part of life, unfortunately it is not provided universally to all people worldwide. In some lucky nations universal healthcare is practised, making it possible for everyday citizens to receive much needed care. Unfortunately, in other nations healthcare is not provided by the Government, and many patients are denied help because they cannot afford treatment. Describe why healthcare is so important to protecting and sustaining populations and why it is important to support people with this imperative service.

Importance of Education, Especially in the Developing World
Due: January 31st 2010
This week on we would like to highlight the importance of education and its preventable powers in giving people the tools to better their living situations. Living in a developed country, the government provides education to citizens beginning at a young age, with individuals and society experiencing the benefits of this. Explain how education is an essential part in bettering the lives of those living in developing nations and how it allows people in all countries to have greater opportunities in life. Is there a circumstance that you’re aware of personally, in which the value of education has played a role? Consider researching ACCESS Charity and other organizations focused on education.

Gender Discrimination
Due: February 14th 2010
Even though we are living in modern times gender discrimination is still occurring in Canada and throughout the world. From the Wage Gap and the Glass Ceiling to Female Infanticide and Gender Selective Abortion, females are continuously getting the short hand of the stick. Pick one of the many obstacles women face in their everyday lives and explain how it is a serious issue. Also, describe how different individuals, governments, and other organizations are working together to end these barriers. Feel free to tell a personal story in which you’ve experienced or witnessed Gender Discrimination.

International Women’s Day
Due: February 28th 2010
Since the early 1900`s the world has observed International Women’s Day to celebrate the achievements of women around the world. Over the years many obstacles and challenges have been overcome by the women of this world. Now there are female astronauts and Prime Ministers, where in the past his would be on heard of. This week on Speak Up for Change we would like to showcase females who have made a difference. We encourage you to write about female role models who have influenced you in a positive way. On March 8th we will once again be celebrating International Women’s Day, let us celebrate by commemorating incredible women who have made great achievements in the past.

Peak Oil
Due: March 14th 2010
In this day and age oil consumption has become a great concern. It is well known that we, as a whole, are using too much of the earth`s natural resources and are not allowing it to replenish its’ stock. As oil consumption is growing exponentially every year we are reaching the peak rate at which oil can be extracted. If we continue to overuse Earth’s non-renewable resources how is this going to affect our daily lives and the lives of our future generations?

Organic vs. Modified Food
Due: March 28th 2010
Scientific technology is making many changes to our everyday lives. One of the ways in which it is impacting our trends is by genetically modifying food to create a better more satisfying product. The alternative is organic food which has not been touched by pesticides or other forms of alteration. What do you think is the better choice and how would you encourage others to make a similar decision when deciding between organic or modified food?

Earth Day
Due: April 18th 2010
The environment and of course the Earth itself are extremely important to our existence. In the past we have terribly mistreated it and caused irreversible damage. It is our responsibility to take these matters into our own hands. We must change the way people are treating the earth and handling our environment. For this year`s Earth Day we would like to celebrate those great role models which have made great breakthroughs in saving our environment. How have they made a difference and how are they encouraging others to also take a step into bettering our Earth`s situation.

Child Labour
Due: May 2nd 2010
Even today child labour is still a challenge many people are trying to overcome. Young children are forced to work in unsafe conditions for unbelievably long hours. Unfortunately some children are even traded to work in order pay off their family’s debt. This week we ask writers to explain what is being done to conquer child labour and also what steps are being taken to re-establish a life for these workers once they are free.

Sex Trade and Human Trafficking
Due: May 16th 2010
The gross act of exploiting people for the purpose of sexual services or forced labour is an unfortunate issue many people still face today. Internationally this is a huge issue as women and even men are taken from their home lands and forced to work abroad, sometimes never to see home again. This is a major human rights issue and it is immensely unfortunate that something like this is still occurring in 2010. What is being done to stop the flourishing sex trade and on-going human trafficking? How are victims of this practise re-entering society after their terrible ordeals?

Endangered Animals
Due: May 30th 2010
Many beautiful and exotic animals are constantly being driven out of existence. From the taking of their wildlife to excessive hunting, many wonderful animals have already become extinct. It is horrible to think that we have already lost so many magnificent creatures but this horrible tragedy is still occurring every day. How are organizations around the world working to stop illegal poaching and other abuses which allow the extinction of animals to continue? Are we able to end the disappearing of many species in order to preserve the world’s wildlife diversity?

The 100-Mile Diet
Due: June 13th 2010
Living the 100 Mile Diet is a promise that many activists are taking in order to be better global citizens. They plan to only eat foods that can be found within a 100 mile radius of where they live. In doing so they reduce carbon dioxide emissions greatly because their food did not have to travel far to be consumed. This is a new innovative way people are trying to make a positive difference in reducing their carbon footprint. How can something like this improve the earth’s environmental status? Is it possible for more people to take part in this endeavour without greatly altering their current lifestyle?

Summer
Due: June 27th 2010
As the school year ends and summer begins many people will be relaxing and going on vacations. Speak Up for Change would like to ask how you will be continuing your activism even in the summer. There are many ways to get involved even after school has ended and we encourage you to share your volunteering ideas and explain how you will be making a difference during your study break. From soup kitchens to building a school internationally there are countless ways youth are taking part in their communities both locally and abroad. How will you be making your own special contribution to bettering our world this summer?

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Contributor Criteria

• Everything must be (to the extent of the writer’s knowledge) true and every measure within the writer’s power should be exercised to ensure that his/her contribution is not falsified
• Facts and statistics used in every piece must be accurate and up-to-date
• Resources consulted should be referenced and should be sourced properly. For example, if statistics are barrowed from the Amnesty International website, the URL of their site should be included at the end of the piece
• Each contribution should promote positive and productive discussion of the issue and should provoke influential thought
• Material should be age appropriate, considering the audience range from elementary school students to university students
• Any multimedia attached to contributions should be the work of the author. If this is not possible the author should have been granted explicit permission to use it or it should be cited properly. However, links to YouTube videos are acceptable, if the video is appropriate and applicable.