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Prompt & Themes
Use your voice to help break the cycle of relationship violence. Pick one question below and finish the sentence: “Together, we can…”
- How does the media’s take on gender roles or “toxic masculinity” show up in your life?
- How do you think we should change the way we talk about and respond to relationship violence?
- What’s something you’d do to help break the cycle of relationship violence where you live or go to school?
Submission & Awards
Your project should connect to one of the themes above and include real examples or personal reflections. You can submit your project in any of these formats:
- Art
- Writing
- Video
- Music
- Dance
- Spoken Word
All entries must include a 2-3 sentence statement explaining your piece and how it connects to the theme.
AWARDS:
Two projects will be selected to each win a $2,000 award according to the following criteria:
- Follows the themes
- Demonstrates creativity and expressiveness
- Provocation of thought
- Inspires and compels the audience to take action
- Clearly communicates ideas
Submissions are due on or before February 28, 2026
Entries will be evaluated by a panel of judges and winners will be notified mid-April 2026.
Award winners must be enrolled in high school, be between age 14-19, and be residents of the state of Illinois.
We will begin accepting submissions for the Youth Voice Award in January 2026.
Please include a signed copy of the Sarah's Inn Photo, Video, & Art Release when you submit your project.
Download the Youth Voice Award 2026 flyer.
Questions? Please visit our FAQ for more information.
Sarah’s Inn is a comprehensive domestic violence agency that serves Chicago and the western suburbs. The mission of Sarah's Inn is to improve the lives of those affected by domestic violence and to break the cycle of violence for future generations. To learn more, please visit www.sarahsinn.org
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