The Alice Paul Institute is holding an essay contest for eighth grade children across the nation. The mission of the API is to honor the legacy of Alice Paul’s work for gender equality through education and leadership development.
Alice Paul, born in 1885 in Mt. Laurel, led the final push to gain passage of the 19th amendment, giving women the right to vote. She subsequently wrote the Equal Rights Amendment, which has yet to be ratified by the required three-fourths of states.
The contest asks eighth grade children to compose a 500-word essay addressing the following question:
“Think about the resources and tactics that were used by Alice Paul when she fought for women’s rights. Now think about the tools and methods that are available today. What might Alice Paul have done the same or differently if she had access to today’s tactics, methods, and resources?”
Writers are encouraged to visit alicepaul.org to learn about Alice Paul and the fight for women’s rights.
The essay contest will be judged by a panel of notable women and men, including Mindy Holman, president and CEO of Holman Automotive Group, and Jill Horner, on-air talent and owner of JCH Media.
Essays will be accepted now through Tuesday, Nov. 4.
Further details about the contest, and how to submit an essay online, can be found at www.alicepaul.org. A winner will be announced at the Alice Paul Institute’s annual meeting in January 2015. The writer of the winning essay will receive a $500 savings bond.
