Submissions being accepted for youth poetry contest

The Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center is accepting submissions for its youth poetry contest that focuses on peace.

The contest is open to children and young adults ages 4-18 years old who write about peaceful conflict resolution. The contest, which opened February 1, runs until June 13.

Entries can be poems, raps, spoken word, songs, stories or other short writing samples. Leading up to the contest deadline, the center will hold poetry writing workshops in Whatcom County, though dates have yet to be announced. Previous themes have surrounded conflict resolution, acceptance, anti-bullying and more.

Winners can read their poem at the center’s Peace Builders Awards Gala in late October and at the Youth Peace Poetry Reading at Village Books.

For more information or to submit an entry, visit whatcomdrc.org. Entries can also be sent to youth@whatcomdrc.org or submitted to 206 Prospect Street in Bellingham.

The Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center is a Bellingham-based nonprofit that works toward overcoming conflict through education and training.