Description
In recognition of Torture Awareness Month (June), the Voices Beyond the Walls writing contest uplifts the lived experiences, resilience, and advocacy of individuals who have endured solitary confinement. Sponsored by NRCAT, in partnership with Solitary Watch, this contest aims to center survivor voices, raise public awareness, and contribute to the movement to end torture in all forms of incarceration.
Details
- Open to formerly incarcerated people who have experienced solitary confinement
- Contest dates: May 1st - May 31st
- 1st Place: $1,000, 2nd Place: $500, 3rd Place: $250
- Will be judged by members of NRCAT’s Advisory Council
- Winning pieces will be published on the Solitary Watch website
Who Can Participate
- Formerly incarcerated individuals who have survived solitary confinement
Content
Participants are invited to reflect on:
- The realities and impact of solitary confinement as a form of torture
- Personal experiences of survival, resistance, and resilience
- The emotional, mental, and physical effects of isolation
- Visions for healing, restoration, and systemic change
- Messages to policymakers, communities, and future generations
Timeline
- Launch Date: May 1st
- Submission Deadline: 11:59 PM PT on May 31st, 2026
- Winners Announced: June 15th
Submission Guidelines
- Length: 500-1,500 words (1 fiction or nonfiction piece or up to 3 poems)
- Language: English (or include translation)
- Original work only, cannot have been previously published
Submission Process
- Upload submissions by 11:59 PM PT on 5/31/26 here: https://forms.gle/MSRTDxW24ei2V4aC7
- Email Naquasia Jones at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with any questions
Permission/Rights Language
By submitting an entry to the Torture Awareness Month Solitary Writing Contest, participants retain full copyright of their work and grant NRCAT a non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide license to use, reproduce, publish, and share their submissions, in whole or in part, for educational, advocacy, and promotional purposes.
Participants grant Solitary Watch permission to do light copy editing.
Participants agree that their piece can be used for promotion by NRCAT and/or Solitary Watch. They may elect for their piece, in part or in its entirety, be shared anonymously.
