



About the Contest
The Center for Interfaith Relations (CIR) is soliciting previously unpublished essays from emerging young authors (ages 13-18) discussing the term “one human family” and how people relate to each other despite differences. Explore themes such as acceptance, tolerance, compassion and cooperation between different cultures, ethnicities and other communities. Works that consider these topics in the context of faith or investigate sacred themes are welcome and encouraged.
If you have questions or comments, please email contests@interfaithrelations.org.
Questions to consider
- What steps do you believe need to be taken for growing tensions in this country to ease?
- How can the political narrative be shifted from one of fearmongering to one of compassion and kindness?
- What role do faith communities play in advocating tolerance, if any?
- Do you agree or disagree with your own (or another) community’s understanding of acceptance?
- What does acceptance and welcoming look like in your family/community/etc.?
- What do you do in your daily life to promote tolerance and acceptance?
Words and themes to consider
Healing
Representation
Justice
Multiculturalism
Anti-racism
LGBTQ+ Rights
The American “Melting Pot”
Hope for a Better Future
Community
Security
Wellbeing
Our Planet