The West Suburban Faith-Based Peace Coalition (WSFPC) announces the 2019 Peace Essay Contest with $1,000 to be awarded for the best entry that promotes knowledge of the Kellogg-Briand Pact and the cause of peace. Second-place prize is $300 and third place, $100.
WSFPC sponsors the contest annually as a way to commemorate and to promote awareness of the Kellogg-Briand Peace Pact, an international agreement that outlawed war. Representing their respective countries, U.S. Secretary of State Frank B. Kellogg and French Prime Minister Aristide Briand signed the pact Aug. 27, 1928. A total of 63 nations joined the pact, making it the most ratified treaty in history at that time.
Contestants must address their essays to a person or persons of their choice who can help promote knowledge of the Kellogg-Briand Pact and from whom they expect a response.
Submissions will be judged on the quality of the essay and the impact of the response.
There are no restrictions regarding the age of contestants or their country of residence.
To enter the contest:
- Send an email, with “Peace Essay Request” in the subject box, to contest coordinator Frank Goetz at frankgoetz@comcast.net with a copy to wsfpc.peace@gmail.com. Include your name, mailing address, email address, phone number, and age (if younger than 19). Also include the name(s) and position(s) of the person(s) to whom the essay will be directed. Your application acceptance as a contestant will be acknowledged in an email that contains your assigned four-digit essay number. (If information is missing or confusing you will be contacted by email or phone.)
- In 800 words or fewer, write an essay on “How Can We Obey the Law Against War?” As soon as possible, but no later than April 15, 2019, send your essay to the person(s) named in the application, and a copy to frankgoetz@comcast.net with the assigned four-digit essay number noted in the subject box.
- By May 15, 2019, send essay response documentation to frankgoetz@comcast.net with the assigned four-digit essay number noted in the subject box.
Contest winners will be announced Aug. 27, 2019, the 91st anniversary of the signing of the Kellogg-Briand Peace Pact.
For information, contact: Cheryl Marshall or Joey Rose at (630) 510-8500, ext. 104.
