The Future of Politics
Let’s Talk Unite | Editorial Contest
Dear youth,
You don’t need a ballot to have a voice in politics. Use writing to make yours heard.
Let’s Talk Unite is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2021 to combat affective polarization by inspiring constructive political dialogue across the political spectrum. One way we achieve this mission is by uplifting youth voices regarding pressing social issues.
The annual Let’s Talk Unite editorial contest invites you to research, ponder, and express your opinions. The winner will be awarded $350. Second place receives $100. Third place receives $50. The strongest submissions are published on our website and in our newsletter.
Editorials should have a clear thesis statement, use relevant and compelling evidence, have an engaging tone, and have a personal touch. Strong editorials incorporate lived experiences and extrapolate a larger sociopolitical significance.
Editorials must be emailed to Let’s Talk Unite by February 14th, 2025 at 11:59pm PT. Late submissions will not be accepted. Winners will be announced on March 1st, 2025.
Sincerely,
The Let’s Talk Unite Team
Requirements
- Eligibility: aged 18 and below, resides in the United States
- Title: begin with “The Future of…” (e.g. The Future of Clean Energy in Florida)
- Length: 600-1000 words, excluding the headline and subheadline
- Plagiarism: your original work – no plagiarism, no use of AI for writing
- Citations: APA Style – Times New Roman font, 12-point font size
- Publishing: grant Let’s Talk Unite publishing rights
- Submission: email your editorial to letstalkunite@gmail.com
Contact Information
- Website: letstalkunite.org
- Email: letstalkunite@gmail.com
- Social Media: @letstalkunite
Single-page Formatted Description
2025 Winners
First Place
Second Place
Third Place
2024 Winners
First Place
Second Place
Third Place
All Articles
The Future of Environmental Justice
Burnt orange skies, suffocating air, dying trees—I used to think that climate change was a far-off issue that was distant from my community, but all that changed after the fall wildfire season of...
The Future of Math Education
During the pandemic, many students fell behind in their learning as they had to grapple with the loss of their school community and social life, COVID deaths and its other effects, and family...
The Future of Immigration in Schools
As a girl who's lived in Mexico, Texas, and California, I’ve experienced many sides of the political spectrum. Although I was too young to remember much of this, I still feel a strong connection to...
The Future of American Secondary Education
American education is in crisis. Approximately a third of U.S. high school students are behind grade level in reading, writing, and math. A majority of Americans are pessimistic about the quality...
The Future of Ethnic Studies: Fighting for Inclusion
I am just one of the countless voices fighting for ethnic studies, not just for its existence as a class, but as a movement that needs to be heard. I live in Little Saigon, a community of immigrants...
The Future of Liberalism in America
The Bay Area is often described as a ‘bubble,’ an area of people echo-chambering themselves with the same progressive values. This ideology makes many people view it as a progressive utopia—they...
Pleading the Sixth: The Case for Migrants’ Right to Counsel
“In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy […] the Assistance of Counsel for his defence.” – The U.S. Constitution, The Sixth Amendment (U.S. Constitution 1787) Among a number of...
The Future of Digital Activism
“If you are hurting, as I share my condolences today with my loved ones, both Palestine and Jewish, I’m sending you my love and strength—whoever and wherever you are.” This was the voice of...
The Future of Corporate Control in U.S. Politics
As a high school student, I’ve been told numerous times that my vote matters and that it is my civic responsibility as a citizen to vote. But, at the end of the day, what impact do our votes have?...
The Future of the Political Left in Youth Culture: How Social Media Influences the Political Views of Adolescents
On the morning of November 6, 2024, tears welled in my eyes as I drove to school, the hum of the news murmuring softly in the background. One phrase echoed relentlessly in my mind: We lost. We lost....
The Future of Affordable Housing in the United States
The recent presidential election result confirmed the age-old adage - ‘It's the economy stupid’. It is no surprise that the economy was top of voters' minds, when nearly 34% of Americans are...
The Future of the Working Class and American Political Parties
Historically, the Democratic Party had a strong bond with blue-collar workers, dating back to the early 20th century. This relationship was strengthened during the New Deal, when a coalition of...
The Future of Fast Fashion
Hundreds of different designs, any color, size, or product you could wish for, Shein has it at the click of a button. This utopian marketplace is not your typical Zara, or Lululemon, but an online...
The Future of Inclusive Policy: Rethinking Gender Data in Politics
Women and girls collectively spend 97 billion hours a year in search of safe toilets — (1 in 3 Women Lack Safe Toilets | WaterAid America, n.d.). As of now, in the populated hubs of Los Angeles and...
Breaking Through the Palo Alto Bubble: A Call to Address Educational Inequality
Pleasant weather, picturesque beaches, and vibrant farmers' markets have characterized my upbringing in the City of Palo Alto. I am fortunate to call this city my home. Amidst these luxuries, the...
The Greatest Challenge to Democracy
Evangelical. Conservative. Christian. The meaning of these words has changed drastically in the past couple of years. A non-Christian friend recently asked me how Christians could justify Christian...
It’s Not About Us
Afghanistan. Myanmar. And now, Ukraine. The past few years have had no shortage of national and global disasters, and it makes perfect sense that we feel somewhat lost in how to help out with a war...
Conservatism Today
I represent the teens and youth in Palo Alto, and the wider Bay Area, who hold conservative values. We are a silent minority, and oftentimes you may not see our political views and social values. We...
Are we lost in Froth and Frivolity?
Total spending on SNAP (Food Stamps) was $119B in 2022. 41M Americans received SNAP benefits in the same year implying approximately $2,900 per year in average benefits. Compare that to the $75B in...
Dear Youth: Let’s Make Some Noise
I turn 18 years old this fall. Alongside many other young people across America, the 2024 elections will be the first time that I am eligible to vote. Ever since I was a kid, I eagerly awaited the...
The Convergence of Catholics and the Democratic Party during the New Deal Era
The tumultuous economic climate of the Great Depression, coupled with the cultural conservatism of the Republican Party, served as a catalyst for a dramatic party realignment in the national United...
Reseparating Church and State
Despite his lewd Access Hollywood tape, eighteen sexual assault allegations, and infidelity, former president Donald Trump enjoys the unwavering support of American Christians. In the 2020...
A New Electoral System
The current system of Congressional representation is dysfunctional. As of August 2022, only 22% of the American public approve of Congress, and with good reason. The method of Congressional...
How Students Can Make a Difference in Local Politics
Recently, interspersed between upset residents and retired grandparents, many San Mateo students took to the city hall stand; some in disappointment, others in anger. Some addressed specific board...