PITCHES AND SUBMISSIONS

We’re not done yet. The Autonomy Issue was just the beginning — we want to continue these conversations online too. 

Inspired by The Autonomy Issue’s 3 chapters: Roots, Coming of Age and ID, Please, and the stories told within, we’re looking for submissions (in the form of poetry, art, photography and articles) that redefine the path to individual and collective freedom on your own terms. Our contributors explored topics such as the longstanding tradition of Kapa Haka in indigenous Māori communities, the complicated politics of sex work in the Phillipines, and Palestinan resistance against colonial erasure, each story a testament to community, reclamation and resilience. We want to honour these stories by continuing what our contributors began, and further explore what Autonomy means to you.

The ROOTS Collection 

ROOTS represents the first step on our journey to find autonomy. With this collection, we look to the past to pay tribute to those who fought against the same inequalities we face today. By taking history into our own hands, we can redefine what it means to find strength and solace in the face of oppressive or colonial forces. 

We’re looking for pieces centred around (but not limited to) these themes:

• Colonial Constructs: How has history misrepresented you or your communities? What aspects of your history have been erased from dominant narratives? How do you piece your history together in the aftermath of colonial devastation?

• Protest, Strikes & Unions: In the wake of rail and writers strikes, industrial action seems more prominent than ever. What underrepresented causes are you marching for? Is all protest performative? Who really benefits from disruption? Has the pandemic affected our perception of workers rights? 

• Into the Wild: How has (environmental) racism disrupted indigenous practices? Is the concept of an ‘untamed’ wilderness inherently colonial? 

Key Words: Hidden Figures, Community, Resistance, Protests, Revolution, Decolonisation

Need inspiration? Listen to the ROOTS playlist created by The Autonomy Issue contributors and jfa team! 

The COMING OF AGE Collection

In this collection, we want to explore the physical and societal structures that seek to deny us our human rights. The rise of social media has been accompanied with new standards and forces to contend with, but also new means of resistance. What does it mean to be more than the expectations placed upon us, and what do we expect of the world around us? 

We’re looking for pieces centred around (but not limited to) these themes:

• Hostile Cities: Who are cities built for? How does one thrive within infrastructure that deliberately excludes disabled folk? How do marginalised groups reclaim public space? How do colonial and capitalist legacies persist through architecture?

• The Right to Childhood: Has social media fundamentally changed childhood? How do we assert children’s rights to privacy in the digital age? Who is afforded childhood?

• Misogyny as Entertainment: How do we protect young people from the alt-right rabbit hole? What leads young men in particular towards it? Is the rise in toxic masculinity content a reaction to female empowerment?

Key words: Space, Gentrification, Childhood, Children’s rights, Influencer Culture, Social Media, Sex Work, Empowerment 

Need inspiration? Listen to the COMING OF AGE playlist created by The Autonomy Issue contributors and jfa team! 

The ID, PLEASE Collection 

Who are we, really? Are we products of resistance and resilience? In this final collection, we celebrate the power of embracing our authentic selves. We look for empowerment in our search for autonomy, celebrating the places and people that allow us moments of joy, despite attempts of erasure. 

We’re looking for pieces centred around (but not limited to) these themes:

• Political Positivity: How did the political goals of the body positivity movement become a shorthand for empowerment and self confidence? Does the inclusion of political movements and concepts in mainstream media help or hurt the cause? 

• Finding Joy: Where is your safe space? How do you imagine a future free of persecution? 

Key words: Sexuality, Body Positivity, Sex Positivity, Third Places, Celebration, Reclamation 

Need inspiration? Listen to the ID, PLEASE playlist created by The Autonomy Issue contributors and jfa team! 

Details & guidelines 

The deadline for submissions has been extended! Send us your pitches and submissions via this form before December 31st 2023.

We are reviewing pitches on a rolling basis. Please note that the extension deadline falls during the holiday season, so our team will get back to you in late January 2024! 

Each collection will contain 3 articles, published in early 2024 on our online platform. 

Unfortunately, The jfa is currently unable to financially compensate contributors for digital pieces, but we are working hard to change this in the future.

Please see here for more information regarding submission guidelines and FAQs.

 GENERAL GUIDANCE

WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS

We are looking for concise articles on the topics of human rights, equality and justice. Your submission could be anything from sharing a personal perspective, to an issue you and your community has experienced, to something you’re interested in researching further as a journalist. The tone you use in your submission should reflect your unique voice - we want to amplify your story.

Your article should be between 800-1200 words long, but please let your editor know if you would like this to be a longer feature piece of 2,000 words.

Use hyper-links instead of citations or references. The reader should be able to follow the links to find out more about your information source. If you are unsure how to create hyperlinks, simply place the URL of your information source in parentheses where you would like it placed and we will do the rest.

Please follow the jfa style guide for more guidance on formatting your submission correctly.

PHOTOGRAPHY, POETRY, AND ART SUBMISSIONS

We are expanding our photography, poetry, and art sections. For photography pieces, we accept everything from photo essays to photo collections. All we ask is that:

• The photographs maintain the humanity, dignity, and respect of the subjects featured.

• The photographs are related to the broader theme of human rights, justice, and equality. 

• Captions for each photograph (at least 1 sentence per photograph) are included in your submission.

• Send us your bio, links, and anything you want our audience to know about you!

For poetry and art submissions, we are open to anything - get creative! All we ask is that: 

• The pieces are related to the broader theme of human rights, justice, and equality.

• Descriptions (100 words or under) are included in your submission.

Frequently asked questions

DO YOU OFFER PAYMENT for my story?

Our second print issue is now in production. Every storyteller involved in this issue will be receiving financial compensation for their work.

Unfortunately, funding within the human rights and storytelling space is fairly limited. The jfa Human Rights Journal is currently operating on a not-for-profit basis, thus are unable to financially compensate contributors for digital pieces. All financial investments we do receive go directly into maintaining our website, printing, and covering basic administrative fees. Our entire team works on the jfa part-time with no salary and carry out editorial tasks amongst other academic commitments and/or regular jobs. We are currently in the process of securing larger investments and grants and we’ll keep you updated as soon as we have more news to share!

Writing, photographing and creating art is not an easy profession, and creators definitely do not get paid enough for all the beautiful, impactful work they produce. Our short-term goal is to be able to compensate our contributors for their submissions by the end of 2023, as it is precisely because of you that we’re able to sustain this platform. Please bear with us in the meantime, and we hope you keep sharing your stories regardless.

I AM NOT SURE IF MY SUBMISSION IS RELEVANT.

Do not worry! Send over any idea you have and we’ll work on an angle together. Our team of editors have got your back.

I WANT TO CONTRIBUTE, BUT ENGLISH IS NOT MY FIRST LANGUAGE.

Again, do not worry! Our editors will work with you to create a piece that shines, regardless of whether you have been published before and/or if English is not your first language.

TIMELINE

After your form has been submitted, an editor will get back to you within 10 working days.

We have a no-ghosting policy. We know how difficult it is to get into contact with editors, much less to get your work published. Please do not hesitate to follow up on any emails if more than 2-3 weeks have passed since your initial pitch.