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Introduction
Today, the communist government of China, the world’s largest nation, is attacking the basic freedom of thought and belief that have been a cornerstone of human civilization throughout history. As China’s influence continues to expand to everywhere from the NBA to organ transplantations to hi-tech products in our homes and hands, we must confront the inconvenient reality of a genocidal regime that is right now forcing its evil agenda on the world. We call on you—poets, writers, fellow human beings—help us expose the especially heinous crimes committed against a peaceful and law-abiding group of Chinese citizens: Falun Gong practitioners.
Read real accounts of persecution and speak out, using the powerful voice of poetry, for those who urgently need their voices to be heard.
This contest is an excellent opportunity for those who have never encountered Falun Gong before to read a bit and learn about it, and through yours words, raise awareness among others.
Here are some documentaries on the topic to give the Muse some ammunition, so to speak:
Canaries in a Cold War, hosted by singer-songwriter James White
Letter from Masanjia: (On many platforms, free on Tubi)
Unsilenced: Planning now only in select theaters in Virginia and Canada
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Submissions & Guidelines
Submit one or two poems of no more than 50 lines each. Poems must encompass at least one of the following themes:
- Advocate for Falun Gong practitioners’ fundamental human rights.
- Expose the crimes against Falun Gong perpetrated by the Chinese Communist Party.
- Express why citizens of the free world should support Falun Gong’s rights
Traditional poetry with rhyme and meter is recommended but all styles and forms are welcomed. No profanity please. Poems should be submitted as a Word file or in the body of the email to fofgcompetitions@gmail.com by April 30, 2022, midnight EDT.
Winners will be announced on May 13, 2022, in honor of World Falun Dafa Day. Poems will be judged by a panel chosen by FoFG, which will include Evan Mantyk, President of The Society of Classical Poets.
There is no Submission Fee.
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Awards
All winners will be published on FoFG’s website. The 1st Place winner will appear in print in the Society of Classical Poets Journal.
1st — $500
2nd — $250
3rd — $100
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LEARN MORE…
What is Falun Gong?
Learn more about the persecution against Falun Gong.
A bit about poetry forms.
Visit Falun Dafa Information Center
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PROMOTE…
Print and post flyer in your local community: at coffee shops, universities, etc…
Download FoFG Poetry Contest Promotional Flyer
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Read Winning Poems
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