The Stop the Hate essay contest is more than a chance to win $20K for college. It’s also an opportunity to tell your story to the world, so we can all potentially make a change for the better. Believe it or not, your experiences can make a difference—perhaps even when it matters most.
This is the 17th year the Maltz Museum has hosted the Stop the Hate essay contest, and our team could talk all day about the power of storytelling. One visit to the Museum will show you just how much we believe in that power.
Here are five reasons students should put pen to paper and share their experiences with hate, bias, and exclusion.
#1 The human brain is wired for story-telling
Storytelling is an essential way humans educate and even entertain ourselves. Early in the development of our species, stories would help us stay alive and avoid life-threatening situations. As we’ve become more sophisticated, storytelling has become part of the fabric of our existence for more than mere survival. Just turn on your television, hop on your smartphone, or flip open your laptop—you’ll see just how pervasive telling stories is to humankind.
One thing we know is this: Our increasingly interconnected world helps us maximize the impact of storytelling exposing injustice and exclusion. Plus, sharing stories can transcend language, culture, and experience barriers, allowing humans to connect on a deeper level. That’s part of what we do here at Maltz Museum: We share the experiences of Jewish Americans because it can be a powerful tool for building solidarity and promoting social change.
#2 Stories humanize complex social issues
One of the most profound impacts of storytelling is its ability to humanize complex social issues. It’s one thing to say: Discrimination is wrong. It’s another to put that big statement into an understandable and relatable context involving real human beings. Stories make abstract concepts like injustice more relatable and understandable. They help others see real-life impacts on individuals and communities.
Consider one of the Maltz Museum’s recent exhibitions: The Girl in the Diary: Searching for Rywka from the Lodz Ghetto. This exhibition gave visitors a unique perspective into the lived experiences of a young girl during World War II. Rywka’s diary tells the story of a young girl who lost her siblings and parents but never lost hope or faith. The exhibition not only explores what might have happened to Rywka, but it exposes visitors to the real-world impacts of the Holocaust on real human beings that lived during that time.
#3 Sharing your story starts a conversation
The Stop the Hate contest creates a safe environment for individuals to express their thoughts and learn from one another. We know providing a space where diverse narratives can be presented is vital for creating a more just world. Why? Because it’s a catalyst that helps people engage in conversations that challenge preconceived ideas. The very act of this exchange is crucial for dismantling stereotypes and building more inclusive communities. Engaging in this dialogue helps cultivate empathy and understanding—both cornerstones of a just society.
Let’s not forget: It’s easier than ever to have a global conversation. The digital age has amplified the reach and impact of storytelling. Social media platforms, podcasts, and blogs allow individuals to share their experiences with a global audience. This democratization of storytelling enables marginalized voices to be heard, amplifying narratives that might otherwise be overlooked.
#4 Sharing stories also empowers you
When people recount their experiences, they reclaim their narratives and assert their identities. This can inspire others to share their stories, creating a ripple effect that promotes collective action. The Maltz Museum encourages this type of empowerment through initiatives like Stop the Hate, where students can share their unique experiences and foster a sense of belonging.
When you share your story, you become a transformative force for promoting justice and inclusion. You not only help people learn about the struggles and triumphs of others but also reflect on our own beliefs and actions. As we continue to share our stories, we pave the way for a more just, inclusive world where every voice matters.
When you share your story, you are the kind of person who’s a change-maker. A force for good. A voice that gives humanity hope.
#5 In this case, it’s a win-win
Sharing your story as a part of the Stop the Hate contest allows you to start an important conversation, share your experiences, and even change the world. PLUS, if you’re an 11th or 12th grader in Northeast Ohio, it also gives you a chance to win $20K for college. Even the second and third runners-up receive large prizes.
If you haven’t already, enter the contest!
Share what you’ve learned through your life experiences and tell how you’ll apply that knowledge to help create a brighter future.
Enter the Stop the Hate Contest
Important Reminder: Submission Deadlines
- Grades 6-10 essay submissions are due Thursday, January 9, 2025
- Grades 11 & 12 essay submissions are due: Thursday, January 16, 2025
