The Art of Pursuasion
When people say, “a pen is mightier than a sword,” it’s a shorthand way of saying that ideas and thought – and the language used to form them – can be more effective than any weapon in changing hearts and minds; that persuasion is more powerful than coercion.

Can we use words to persuade our classmates, our parents and other adults that we should care for AIDS orphans, endangered animals, and children deprived of education?  If so, can we persuade them to act? That is our challenge and the motivation behind this contest.

We invite you to write an essay, an article or a column on your adopted issue and campaign - one that can be published in a newspaper, magazine, or website.

In writing the essay, keep the following questions in mind:

• Who will read my essay or column and how can I engage them?
• What key facts must I get across?
• Do I show a thorough understanding of the issue?
• Do I raise questions that I don’t answer?
• Have I succeeded in making my readers care, and not just understand?

For the current pilot phase, chapters may submit as many entries as they would like. They do not have to be published already.