How can Christians make a real difference in our society?   This is a live question for Catalyst, where we feature articles not only about CARE, but also about other ministries that are bringing about change.  And now, here’s an opportunity for anyone under 30 to share their own views on this question and see their work in print.

You might be a charity worker, a student or a city trader, in between jobs, running your own business, involved in politics, ministry or none of these things. You may be motivated by a concern about teenage gang culture; you may have a desire to support individuals with disabilities or learning difficulties or a passion for transforming the lives of the poorest of the poor.

Do you have a dream to create music or film that puts across the Christian message with power and clarity?  Perhaps you plan to go into local government or politics to bring about lasting social change? Share your vision of how you think things could be.  We are expecting a wide range of entries, from contributors with ideas and experiences and vision. The winning article will appear in the March 2012 issue of Catalyst, and the winner and runners-up will have their work profiled on the CARE website.  In addition, the winner will receive an Amazon Kindle 3G and a £25 Amazon voucher, with each of the nine runners-up also receiving a £25 Amazon voucher. We plan to arrange a Westminster Reception for all finalists.

Whoever you are and wherever you’re from, we are looking for that spark to ignite thought to motivate this generation.

The words:

• Entries to be no more than 1,000 words, submitted as a previously unpublished Word document
• We are looking for a journalistic writing style rather than an essay format
• All entries must arrive before 9 am on Tuesday 3 January 2012
• If you have any technical challenges that may make it difficult to submit your article as above, please let us know so we can arrange alternative arrangements.

The judges:

An in-house panel, with guest judge at the final stage.  

The conditions:

This competition is open to anyone under 30, with the exception of current and former CARE staff.  You must apply giving your full name, date of birth, address, email and telephone number. Just one entry per candidate.

Online form available at www.care.org.uk/writing

Queries to writingcomp@care.org.uk or telephone James Lee or Kate Bertaut on 020 7233 0455

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