The Good Oil 2021 Writers’ Award is an initiative of the Sisters of the Good Samaritan. The award aims to support and encourage the development of emerging and published writers.
The Good Oil’s editorial vision is to nourish the spirit, stimulate thinking, promote social justice, and encourage reflection and dialogue about issues of the day from a Christian, Catholic, Good Samaritan perspective.
The theme for the award is Inclusivity, which is embodied in the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Lk 10:25-37).
The wisdom of the parable lies in recognising the needs of the ‘other’ and reaching out with compassion and love to whoever they may be, and in whatever circumstance prevails. Our compassion and love cannot be limited to those we know and like. True compassion extends the warmth of love to the ‘other’ – the one whose circumstances, race, religion, beliefs and values are so different from our own. (www.goodsams.org.au)
Pope Francis’ message for World Communications Day this year is “Come and See” (Jn 1:46). Communicating by Encountering People Where and as They Are.
In his message Pope Francis says:
“Come and see” were the first words that Jesus spoke to the disciples who were curious about him following his baptism. He invited them to enter into a relationship with him.
“Come and see” is the simplest method to get to know a situation. It is the most honest test of every message, because, in order to know, we need to encounter, to let the person in front of me speak, to let his or her testimony reach me.
Entry to The Good Oil 2021 Writers’ Award is free and open to residents of Australia, Kiribati, the Philippines and Japan – countries where the Sisters of the Good Samaritan live and minister.
A panel of judges will award first, second and third place. The prize for the winning entry will be $600; second prize $400; third prize $200.
Prize-winning entries will be published in future editions of The Good Oil.
How to enter
Entrants may submit more than one piece of writing, to a maximum of three (3) pieces, in the following writing styles:
- Reflection – creative writing or first person reflective writing
- Opinion – first person personal opinion
- Profile – profile of a person based on an interview and research
- News feature – issues-based article written in journalistic style
In their chosen writing style, entrants are asked to explore the theme Inclusivity.
Entrants must read the Award Guidelines before submitting their entry.
Entrants must download and complete an Entry Form and submit it with your piece of writing. By submitting this entry form, you acknowledge that you have read and accept all conditions outlined in The Good Oil 2021 Writers’ Award guidelines.
Where to send entries
Email your entry (attached as a Word doc) and your completed entry form (attached as a pdf or jpg file) to thegoodoil@goodsams.org.au
Receipt of your entry will be acknowledged by email.
If you do not receive acknowledgement of your entry before the closing date, please send an email to thegoodoil@goodsams.org.au
Key dates
Entries closed at midnight AEST on Sunday August 22, 2021
Award winners announced: Tuesday November 16, 2021
Judging panel
The judging panel will include people with relevant qualifications and experience. The members of this panel will base their decision on the entries which best explore the theme Inclusivity in their chosen writing style. In particular, the judges will be looking for writing that is topical, engaging, accessible, creative, original, and well written.
Entrants are strongly encouraged to look at past editions of The Good Oil, the e-journal of the Sisters of the Good Samaritan, to gain an understanding of the type and style of articles published, and the publication’s vision: “to nourish the spirit, stimulate thinking, promote social justice and encourage reflection and dialogue about issues of the day from a Christian, Catholic, Good Samaritan perspective”.
If you have any questions about these guidelines, please send an email to thegoodoil@goodsams.org.au
Entries for this award have now closed.
