Opinion & Commentary

Photographer in blue t-shirt holds camera to face

WHAT'S YOUR OPINION? 

There's a lot going on in the world. By expressing your opinion and sharing your commentary with YWP, you can begin to make sense of things, build a connection with others, and work toward positive change.

Our list of opinion challenges will keep growing along with the year's news and events. Your responses may be published in YWP's digital magazine and annual anthology and with our Vermont media partners. Your opinion matters! Find out more about opinion & commentary.

[Illustration by Tess LaLonde, YWP]

 

  • Headshot of VP Kamala Harris

    Writing

    Kamala Harris

    With Vice President Kamala Harris stepping in where President Joe Biden left off, how do you see the presidential race now? 

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  • Flooded soccer fields

    Writing

    Floods

    Floods, hurricanes, punishing heat. Have you experienced extreme weather this summer? Write about it.

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  • Hummingbird against green backdrop

    Writing

    Delights

    Follow the lead of poet and essayist Ross Gay, and write an essayette about something that delighted you today!

    [Challenge created by Over the Rainbow, YWP; Hummingbird photo by laurenm, YWP]

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  • Headshot of Joe Biden, Library of Congress

    Writing

    Biden's Choice

    Should President Joe Biden stay the course or leave the race for president? A poor debate performance has Americans wondering. What do you think?

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  • cell phone showing social media apps

    Writing

    Warning

    The U.S. surgeon general says social media platforms need warning labels because they are contributing to a mental health crisis among young people. What do you think?

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  • Sunset over misty marshy area

    Writing

    Big Oil

    Vermont has become the nation’s first state to require fossil fuel companies and other big emitters to pay for climate-related damage. How do you perceive the fight to protect the planet from climate change? Do you see hints of hope? 

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  • World Happiness Report logo

    Writing

    World Happiness

    The 2024 World Happiness report lists Finland as the world's happiest country, with the U.S. dropping out of the top 20, and young people in North America showing a decline in happiness. Read the report. What is your experience?

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  • Justice gavel

    Writing

    Guilty

    Donald Trump was found guilty May 30 of falsifying business records to cover up a sex scandal that threatened his 2016 presidential campaign. Trump is now a convicted felon. He is also the presumptive 2024 Republican nominee for president. Thoughts?

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  • Geometric designs in blue

    Writing

    Create a Challenge

    Help YWP create inspiring challenges for writing or visual art. Think about what makes an interesting prompt and share your idea with us! 

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  • Person looking down at cellphone

    Writing

    Cellphones

    Some schools across the U.S. are banning cellphones, not just limiting their use. State legislatures, including Vermont, Kansas, and Oklahoma, are considering "phone-free schools" legislation. How would a cellphone ban at school affect your life?

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  • Purple poly skateboarder

    Writing

    Summertime

    Vermont Writers: Seven Days and its magazine Kids VT are looking for poems or short stories with a summer theme to publish in an upcoming issue. Deadline: May 21, 2024

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