Theme:
Beyond the Boundaries
A global youth challenge for civic imagination
and creative expression.
"Beyond the Boundaries" is the subject for 2025. It asks young people to think about the borders that separate us on various levels, including political, social, and emotional. Students should think about the future in terms of democracy, public discourse, and their own identities as students in a world that is both divided and globalized.
We encourage all contributions, whether they are stories or assessments of facts, to talk about the topic by pointing out the problems with the way things are now and coming up with ideas for how things could be better in the future.
Submission Categories & Guidelines
01 NON-FICTION
This category encourages research-driven, argument-based writing that critically explores real-world political and
civic issues.
Prompts
1. Is voting enough?
2. Is Social Media a Tool for Political Awakening or Emotional Manipulation?
In an era when social media influencers blur lines between actual political discourse and systematic campaigns, we find ourselves at a turning point. Recent research shows that online content creators have multiple, often overlapping roles within our political system – acting at once as advertisers, journalists, activists, and opinion leaders. Younger voters increasingly look for information on politics from influencers rather than traditional news sources, with lines between actual and paid endorsements increasingly ambiguous.
Does social media democratize political discourse by leveling everything out and promoting actual civic engagement? Or does it create a perfect storm around emotional manipulation, by using personal connections with influencers for politics and by letting disinformation go haywire?
Guidelines:
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Language: English
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Word Count: 1,500–2,000 words
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Format: Times New Roman, 12 pt, double-spaced, 1-inch margins
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File Types: .doc, .docx, or .pdf
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Citations: Required (MLA 8 or APA format)
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Visuals: Optional (excluded from word count)
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Authorship: Individual work only
Content Expectations:
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Demonstrate understanding of the political/civic issue
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Present a clear, original thesis
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Support arguments with credible research and analysis
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Consider counterarguments or limitations
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Offer actionable insights or reflections
02 FICTION
(FLASH FICTION）
This category invites students to explore civic, emotional, or ideological boundaries through creative storytelling.
Prompt: Through Their Eyes
“Dog” (excerpt)
by Lawrence Ferlinghetti
The dog trots freely in the street
and sees reality
and the things he sees
are bigger than himself
and the things he sees
are his reality
Drunks in doorways
Moons on trees
The dog trots freely thru the street
and the things he sees
are smaller than himself
Guidelines:
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Languages Accepted: English, Spanish, Chinese, French, Portuguese, Korean, Vietnamese
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Word Count: 300-1,000 words
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Format: 12 pt font, single-spaced; include a title; omit author name in document
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File Types: .doc, .docx, or .pdf
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Authorship: Individual work only
Content Expectations:
Create a powerful narrative moment within tight space
Explore empathy, identity, control, freedom, or perception
Clearly tie to the theme Beyond the Boundaries
Use original characters, voice, and/or perspective
Rules & Eligibility
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Age Range: 14–18 years old
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Enrollment: Must be currently enrolled in high school (or equivalent homeschool program)
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Original Work: All entries must be the student’s own work. AI-generated content is prohibited and will result in disqualification.
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One Submission: Students may enter only one category per year
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Language: Submissions must be in accepted languages; translations welcome where applicable
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Submission Platform: Entries must be submitted through the official online system (link to be provided)
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Adult Sponsor: All participants must list a teacher, guardian, or mentor as their sponsor
Rules & Eligibility
Age Range
14–18 years old
Enrollment:
Must be currently enrolled in high school (or equivalent homeschool program)
Original Work:
All entries must be the student’s own work. AI-generated content is prohibited and will result in disqualification.
One Submission:
Students may enter only one category per year
Language:
Submissions must be in accepted languages; translations welcome where applicable
Original Work:
All entries must be the student’s own work. AI-generated content is prohibited and will result in disqualification.
Prizes & Recognition
The Promethean Messengers Competition 2025 celebrates creativity, critical thinking, and courage with awards designed to empower young changemakers. Winners will receive global visibility, mentorship opportunities, and resources to amplify their impact.
Each category (Non-Fiction & Fiction) will award:
CATEGORY AWARDS
Gold Prize (1 winner)
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$1000 scholarship
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Featured in the Messagers online gallery and global press kit
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Virtual mentorship session with a civic or literary leader
Silver Prize (2 winners)
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$700 award
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Digital publication
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Certificate of Achievement
Bronze Prize (3 winners)
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$500 award
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Certificate of Recognition
Special Recognitions
🌍 Global Voice Award – Best cross-cultural or multilingual submission
⚖️ Social Impact Award – Most powerful message for equity or justice
❤️ People’s Choice Award – Selected by public vote
ALL FINALISTS
Certificate of Distinction
Inclusion in the 2025 Messagers Finalist Gallery
Invitation to virtual workshops on creative advocacy
Evaluation Criteria
Non-Fiction Essay:
Clarity and originality of argument
Depth of research and insight
Relevance to the theme
Persuasiveness and structure
Grammar, citations, and mechanics
Flash Fiction:
Creativity and originality
Emotional impact and resonance
Narrative structure and clarity
Thematic relevance
Language and style
Key Dates
October 10: Submission Deadline
October 27: Extended Deadline
October 29: Finalist Notified
November: Winners Announced
Writing Reference Guide
Citation Styles:
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Use MLA 8 or APA citation style for nonfiction essays. Include in-text citations and a bibliography.
Grammar & Mechanics:
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Use inclusive language
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Avoid slang, clichés, or offensive phrasing
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For fiction: show, don’t tell; polish voice and tone
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For nonfiction: define terms clearly; avoid unsupported generalizations
Formatting Standards:
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Spelling out numbers under 10
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Use percent, not %
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Italicize long works; use quotes for short titles
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Be consistent with proper nouns, acronyms, and political terms
Cultural Sensitivity:
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Avoid stereotypes
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Be mindful of politically sensitive place names
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Respect identity, race, and nationality in descriptions