Announcing the Open Letters: Our Opinion-Writing Contest!
Are you passionate about an issue that needs to be heard? Do you have something important to say to a public figure or institution? If so, the Open Letters: Our Opinion-Writing Contest is the perfect opportunity for students to express their thoughts and make their voices heard. Whether it's an issue close to your heart, a protest, or a plea for change, this contest invites students to write compelling open letters that can inspire action and spark conversation.
What is an Open Letter?
An open letter is a public-facing letter that typically addresses an individual, group, or institution, but is intended for a broader audience. It's a literary form that combines personal address with persuasive writing, often advocating for change or offering a critical perspective on an issue. Think of open letters as a way to combine a heartfelt appeal with the power of public discourse—whether you're addressing a celebrity like Taylor Swift or writing about a social issue like gender equality, the goal is to get people to care and to take action.
Famous examples of open letters include:
- Martin Luther King's "Letter From Birmingham Jail"
- A letter from tech leaders warning about the dangers of AI
- A letter from young Asian Americans to their families about Black Lives Matter
- Public letters addressing everything from ticket sales to social movements
The idea is to write a letter that not only speaks to the person or group directly, but also resonates with the public. You may express your concerns, frustrations, hopes, or desires for change, all while making your case in a way that anyone reading it could understand and care about.
Contest Details
Start Date: February 25, 2026
End Date: April 8, 2026
This contest is open to all students who wish to voice their opinions and contribute to a larger public conversation. The challenge is to write an open letter on a topic that you care about, whether it’s personal, political, or social. The goal is to not only reach the person or group you’re addressing, but to move the hearts and minds of everyone who reads your letter.
What’s Required?
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Audience: Your letter should be addressed to a specific person, group, or institution, but it must also be relevant and engaging for a general audience. This could be a public figure, a government entity, a business, or even a community group.
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Content: The letter should be persuasive and clearly explain why the issue matters. It should also make readers care about the topic. The tone can vary from serious and formal to casual and creative, depending on the message you want to convey.
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Format: Follow the typical format of an open letter—this means it should resemble a letter, but with an awareness that it will be published and read by the general public. Think of it as both a personal message and an argumentative essay rolled into one.
How to Participate
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Writing Your Letter: Take the time to craft a thoughtful and impactful letter. Focus on making your argument clear and compelling, and remember to engage your readers.
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Submission Process: Submit your open letter through the official competition page before the April 16th deadline. Be sure to review the contest rules and guidelines for any specific formatting or submission instructions.
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Prizes and Recognition: Winning letters will receive public recognition, and you may also have the chance to see your work published. Not only will you have the satisfaction of knowing your voice is heard, but you’ll also join a tradition of influential open letter writers!
Why Should You Participate?
This contest is an excellent opportunity for students to practice persuasive writing while tackling real-world issues. Open letters have historically been powerful tools for social change, and by participating, you can make your voice heard on the issues that matter to you.
Furthermore, writing an open letter is a chance to be part of a broader dialogue, engaging with the public and influencing opinions. Whether you want to address a global crisis, a local issue, or a personal appeal to someone in power, this contest gives you the platform to do so.
Resources and Support
If you're unsure where to start or need some guidance on writing an effective open letter, the contest provides resources, including a how-to guide and access to the Student Opinion forum. Additionally, any questions you may have can be directed to the contest organizers at LNFeedback@nytimes.com.
