Competition

The 5th^e The edition has been launched.

For the past five years, the competition My pen against racism and racial profiling invites high school students from Lanaudière and the greater Montreal area to express themselves, through poetry, short stories, or essays, on racism, racial profiling, immigration, identity, and living together. Every year, dozens of young voices are heard, reminding us that writing is a form of activism.

The theme of the 2027 edition:
«"Our differences are our strength. Writing to understand, acting to unite."»

Important Dates

• Launch of the competition: October 13, 2026

• Deadline for submitting texts: February 27, 2027

• Awards ceremony: March 27, 2027

Students, Register now: your text has a place in this edition.
Parents, Encourage youth participation — a few lines are enough to start a conversation that matters.

Conditions of participation

• The competition is exclusively for high school students from the greater Montreal and Lanaudière region

• The students of 1st cycle compete with each other, as do those of the 2nd cycle in order to ensure fairness.

• Each participant can submit a single text, unprecedented and original.

• Accepted genres: poem, slam, short story, argumentative text or creative narrative.

• The text must comply with the following standards:

  • Maximum 2 pages

  • Word format (.doc or .docx), 12-point font, 1.5 line spacing

  • The text must bear a title

  • At the end of the document, write the following:
    «"Certified original, personal and unpublished work"»

Evaluation criteria

The texts will be judged by a jury composed of teachers, artists, and representatives of community organizations according to:

• Adherence to the theme,

• Creativity and originality,

• The quality of the language,

• The impact and strength of the message.

Prizes to be won

Six prizes will be awarded:

• 1st cycle 1st prize: 500 $ – 2nd prize: 250 $

• 2nd cycle 1st prize: 500 $ – 2nd prize: 250 $

• People's Choice Award across all categories : 500 $

• Award for best English-language text : 500 $

Why participate?

Because every word counts. Because writing is refusing silence. This competition is an invitation to participate in the dialogue, to defend equality, and to contribute to a society where diversity is celebrated.

Make your voice heard.

Submit your text before February 27, 2027 and join us on March 27, 2027 to celebrate the winners!

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