ISWNE Golden Quill contest   

The deadline to enter the Golden Quill editorial writing contest sponsored by the International Society of Weekly Newspaper Editors (ISWNE) is Feb. 1. 

Entries should reflect the purpose of the ISWNE: Encouraging the writing of editorials that identify issues that are or should be of concern to the community, offer an opinion, and support a course of action.

All newspaper of less than daily frequency (published less than five days per week) are eligible. Entries must have been published between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2004.

Each newspaper may submit up to four entries. Two is the maximum number of entries permitted from any individual.

Each entry should be mounted on a sheet of paper, with any identifying information such as a byline or mug shot eliminated. The name of the author and newspaper, mailing address, email address, phone number, and date of publication should be listed on the back of the entry.

Entries must be postmarked by Feb. 1. They should be sent to Chad Stebbins, Missouri Southern State University, 3950 E. Newman Road, Joplin, MO 64801.

Entry fee is $20 per person for non-ISWNE members, with checks made payable to the ISWNE Foundation. The cost includes a one-year subscription to the ISWNE newsletter and Grassroots Editor, the Society's quarterly journal.

The Golden Quill winner and the other 11 finalists will receive scholarships to attend ISWNE's annual conference in Alberta, July 5-10. Some travel assistance may also be available. Grassroots Editor will reprint the 12 best editorials in the Summer 2005 issue.

For additional information, contact Chad Stebbins, ISWNE's executive director, at stebbins-c@mssu.edu.