CONTRIBUTE CONTENT
Calling All Writers, Educators and Scholars
CALL FOR PROPOSALS
Unsilence Project is accepting proposals from historians, educators, artists, writers and other scholars to help build free and accessible educational programs addressing marginalized historical and contemporary narratives of atrocity and human rights, including Holocaust and genocide history as well as recent and ongoing atrocities. Our educational programs are designed for classrooms and communities.
What is Unsilence Project looking for?
Unsilence Project creates and disseminates learning experiences centered around marginalized, understudied and taboo narratives of atrocity, human rights, and social justice. Our programs are story-driven and learner-centered, made up of intersecting, highly-engaging activities. At the heart of our programs are the questions: How and why do certain narratives become forgotten, hidden, and silenced? And how can we unsilence them? Your proposal might describe a short work of interactive fiction, a virtual art or photography installation, or a complex, multi-layered, epic narrative (see list of examples, below). Right now, we're focused on building Overlapping Triangles and Taboo, but we'll soon be open to other project ideas.
Can I submit my non-fiction research?
Yes. Non-fiction, research-based content is what we're looking for. If you're a historian or social scientist, we'll work with you to make your research accessible to a general audience. At the initial proposal stage, please do not submit manuscripts or writing samples. Please submit a proposal of up to 500 words describing your project.
Can I submit fiction?
Many programs of Unsilence Project combine fiction and non-fiction narratives of human rights. The human rights fiction we promote is always grounded in rigorous research and framed as an entry point to exploring non-fiction human rights content. If you're interested in submitting fiction, submissions of short, interactive fiction are preferred. At the initial proposal stage, please do not submit manuscripts or writing samples. Please submit a proposal of up to 500 words describing your project.
I've never designed educational programs. Can I still submit?
Yes. If you're not especially creative, don't worry. If you're a scholar, we'll work with you to turn your academic research into compelling, accessible content for young people and communities. If you're an artist, writer or photographer, we'll work with you to turn your work into compelling, interactive narratives.
Will I get paid? Will I receive recognition for my work?
You will receive full recognition for your work. Our intention is to keep Unsilence Project educational programs free for schools and communities. At the moment, we are unable to pay contributors.
The content I want to submit has appeared elsewhere. Can I still submit?
Yes. We accept and adapt previously published work, assuming you have all the necessary permissions.
Can I submit more than one proposal?
Yes.
My content is not in English. Can I still submit?
Unfortunately, we are unable to accept non-English proposals. We are also unable to provide translation services.
What is the deadline for proposals?
There are no deadlines for proposals. We are accepting proposals on an ongoing basis.
What additional support does Unsilence Project need?
In addition to accepting proposals for content, we're always looking for content advisors and proof-readers. If you're able to provide us with this kind of support, we'd love to hear from you, so please get in touch.
EXAMPLES OF SUBMISSIONS
Right now, we're focused on building Overlapping Triangles and Taboo.
Here are some examples of what we're looking for:
SUBMISSION PROCESS
CALL FOR PROPOSALS
Unsilence Project is accepting proposals from historians, educators, artists, writers and other scholars to help build free and accessible educational programs addressing marginalized historical and contemporary narratives of atrocity and human rights, including Holocaust and genocide history as well as recent and ongoing atrocities. Our educational programs are designed for classrooms and communities.
What is Unsilence Project looking for?
Unsilence Project creates and disseminates learning experiences centered around marginalized, understudied and taboo narratives of atrocity, human rights, and social justice. Our programs are story-driven and learner-centered, made up of intersecting, highly-engaging activities. At the heart of our programs are the questions: How and why do certain narratives become forgotten, hidden, and silenced? And how can we unsilence them? Your proposal might describe a short work of interactive fiction, a virtual art or photography installation, or a complex, multi-layered, epic narrative (see list of examples, below). Right now, we're focused on building Overlapping Triangles and Taboo, but we'll soon be open to other project ideas.
Can I submit my non-fiction research?
Yes. Non-fiction, research-based content is what we're looking for. If you're a historian or social scientist, we'll work with you to make your research accessible to a general audience. At the initial proposal stage, please do not submit manuscripts or writing samples. Please submit a proposal of up to 500 words describing your project.
Can I submit fiction?
Many programs of Unsilence Project combine fiction and non-fiction narratives of human rights. The human rights fiction we promote is always grounded in rigorous research and framed as an entry point to exploring non-fiction human rights content. If you're interested in submitting fiction, submissions of short, interactive fiction are preferred. At the initial proposal stage, please do not submit manuscripts or writing samples. Please submit a proposal of up to 500 words describing your project.
I've never designed educational programs. Can I still submit?
Yes. If you're not especially creative, don't worry. If you're a scholar, we'll work with you to turn your academic research into compelling, accessible content for young people and communities. If you're an artist, writer or photographer, we'll work with you to turn your work into compelling, interactive narratives.
Will I get paid? Will I receive recognition for my work?
You will receive full recognition for your work. Our intention is to keep Unsilence Project educational programs free for schools and communities. At the moment, we are unable to pay contributors.
The content I want to submit has appeared elsewhere. Can I still submit?
Yes. We accept and adapt previously published work, assuming you have all the necessary permissions.
Can I submit more than one proposal?
Yes.
My content is not in English. Can I still submit?
Unfortunately, we are unable to accept non-English proposals. We are also unable to provide translation services.
What is the deadline for proposals?
There are no deadlines for proposals. We are accepting proposals on an ongoing basis.
What additional support does Unsilence Project need?
In addition to accepting proposals for content, we're always looking for content advisors and proof-readers. If you're able to provide us with this kind of support, we'd love to hear from you, so please get in touch.
EXAMPLES OF SUBMISSIONS
Right now, we're focused on building Overlapping Triangles and Taboo.
Here are some examples of what we're looking for:
- Compelling summaries of marginalized histories
- Short, interactive human rights fiction
- Survivor testimonies
- Narratives told through photographs
- Serious virtual treasure hunts (or WebQuests)
- Choose-your-own-adventure stories about understudied histories
- Virtual art installations
- Documentaries and films
- Cartoons and comic strips
- Other innovative media and learning environments
SUBMISSION PROCESS
- Use our submission form to submit your proposal of up to 500 words. Note that following the link will prompt you to register with Unsilence Project before you can submit your proposal.
- We strongly recommend that you write and save your proposal elsewhere and then cut and paste it into the form below.
- In your proposal, make clear the content of your research, artwork, photography or narrative. And make clear how your work connects to the specific programs and goals of Unsilence Project.
- Proposals enter a process of peer review. Priority will be given to proposals that connect directly to the Unsilence Project educational programs Overlapping Triangles and Taboo.
- If accepted, we'll work with you to turn your research into accessible content for young people and the general public.
- Even after its launch, the educational programming created from your work may be adapted and developed to reflect new research.
- If you have any questions, please contact us.