penal press awards

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Overview

The American Penal Press Contest celebrates ambitious achievements by prisoner-run newsrooms across the US.
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After a more than 30-year hiatus, the Pollen Initiative is reviving the contest in partnership with Southern Illinois University (SIU), which created the awards program in 1965 and administered them until 1991.

The Penal Press Contest played an important role in supporting the American prison press during its freest and most prolific period. It honored the efforts of incarcerated writers working with few resources, and turned public attention towards new kinds of prison coverage. At the contest’s height, in the 1970s, it attracted more than a thousand submissions a year.

The updated award program also aims to strengthen the prison press by shining a light on its strengths, and to build common ground between the prison press and the outside journalism industry.

Prizes will be awarded in 13 categories, including awards for individual stories as well as for individual publications, writers, newsroom leaders and advisors. Each first-place winner— individual person or newsroom— will be awarded $1,000, with prizes of $500 and $250 awarded to second and third place entries. 

Winners will be announced in an awards ceremony in May.

There are no fees to enter. Read the guidelines on how to 

Enter Here

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Awards Categories :

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Newsroom Leader of the Year

For leadership by an incarcerated contributor to a prison press publication. Any individual may nominate potential recipients or any contributor may nominate themselves. To submit, send a letter of nomination.

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Best Alternative News Publication

For general excellence. Eligible entries may be any underground, commentary, small-format, or newsletter publication that seek to provide verifiable or reliable information as part of their mission.

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Advisor of the Year

For leadership by an outside volunteer, advisor, or corrections staff sponsor. Any incarcerated person may nominate anyone who has served as an advisor or volunteer. To submit, send a letter of nomination

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Why These Awards Matter
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Empowering Incarcerated Voices

  • These awards provide a platform for incarcerated writers to share their stories, thoughts, and experiences with the world, promoting self-expression and personal growth.
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Shining a Light on Hidden Issues

  • Prison journalism uncovers the realities and challenges of life behind bars, raising awareness about overlooked social, legal, and human rights issues.
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Fostering Social Change and Reform

  • By amplifying these voices, the awards contribute to broader conversations on justice, rehabilitation, and policy reform, inspiring positive change in the prison system.
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