MCWC Advisory Board member Barbara Kingsolver established the Bellwether Prize, which 2008 MCWC Presenter Gayle Brandeis won in 2002, to recognize literature addressing issues of social justice. Being a topic close to the heart of our conference, it's interesting to note how "a literature of social change" is defined by this Prize:
"Socially responsible literature, for the purposes of this award, may describe categorical human transgressions in a way that compels the readers to examine their own prejudices. It may invoke the necessity for economic and social justice for a particular ethnic or social group, or it may explicitly examine movements that have brought positive social change. Or, it may advocate the preservation of nature by describing and defining accountable relationships between people and their environment... 'Social responsibility' describes a moral obligation of individuals to engage with their communities in ways that promote a more respectful coexistence."
The Bellwether Prize includes an award of $25,000 and guaranteed publication by a major publisher, and is open to U.S. citizens who have not already published a book that sold more than 10,000 copies. It is awarded in even-numbered years.
If you're interested in submitting, the next prize cycle will accept submissions during September 2009. Full applicant requirements are available on their web site at www.bellwetherprize.org at and submission forms can be downloaded there, too.
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