Let’s be honest: most of us didn’t learn what we really needed to know in school.
So we learned it the hard way.
Later.
Sometimes too late.

That’s what The Rewrite is about.

This summer, InkShield Initiative is launching a free national storytelling contest for adults. Anyone over 18 can enter. No entry fee. No literary resume required.

Just tell us a true story about something you learned as an adult that made your life better.

Your story doesn’t have to be perfect. We prefer it isn’t.
You’ll submit a short written version (750 words or less) and an audio-only YouTube link of you reading it out loud. We’re not trying to judge your face—we’re here to hear your voice.

Once submissions close, we turn them over to the public. People will “vote” for their favorite stories by donating to InkShield in your name. $2 = 1 vote. Top fundraisers win cash prizes. Everyone who helps us raise at least $10 gets a shot at the consolation prizes, too.

But here’s the bigger point:

This isn’t just about a contest.

We’re raising money to fund InkShield’s first full year—free writing support, online resources, and content that helps adults tell their stories without shame. Because literacy isn't just about reading books. It’s about reclaiming your narrative and having the tools to say what matters.

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💡 How to Help Right Now

Since we’re in pre-launch mode, donations only go directly to the contest under certain conditions. If you donate $10 or more, you’ll earn Sponsor Credits to use when voting opens. Otherwise, whatever you give still helps us fund everything. Thank you.

• $10 = 5 credits

• Every $2 after that = 1 more

• You can give them all to one person or spread them out however you want​

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You don’t need to enter the contest to be part of this. You can sponsor someone else’s story. Or you can forward it to someone who you know has a story to tell, but never thought anyone would care to hear it.

InkShield Initiative exists because we believe writing matters, and that it's never too late to learn how to say what you mean.

The pen is mightier than the sword.
But it never hurts to have a shield.

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🗓️ What’s the Timeline?

Entry Period: June 2nd– June 30th
Submit your story. You’ll need:

• A written version (750 words or less)

• An audio-only YouTube link of you reading it, and include your full written story in the description.

• It is free to enter

• But don’t share the video or link until July 1st. This ensures a fair start for everyone.

• We’ll send your Givebutter fundraising link before launch so you can prep your promo.

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Round One: July 1–14
Every approved entry goes live. Donors sponsor stories by “voting” with their credits. $2 = 1 vote. Top 15 move on.

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Round Two: July 15–21
The top 10 compete for the final 5 spots. Same voting system, more heat.

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Final Round: July 22–31
Top 5 go head-to-head. Final votes determine the winners. Cash and bragging rights included.

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✍️ How to Enter

• Be 18 or older.

• Tell a true story about something you learned as an adult that changed your life.

• Submit both a written version (750 words max) and an audio-only YouTube link.

• Keep your story real, personal, and honest.

• We don’t care if you’ve never written before. We care that you have something worth saying.

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🎯 How to Vote (a.k.a. Sponsor Someone)

Voting = donating in someone’s name. During the contest (July 1–31):

• $2 = 1 vote

• Votes only count if they’re made through our Givebutter page

• More votes = higher chance of winning

• Want to help someone before voting opens? Great. Donate Here.

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🏆 Prizes

Main Prizes (Final Round):

• 1st Place: $1,000 or 15% of what you raise, whichever is higher

• 2nd Place: $500 or 12%,  whichever is higher

• 3rd Place: $250 or 10%,  whichever is higher

• 4th & 5th Place: $100 + a featured spot on our website

Consolation Prizes by Round:

• Round 1: Raise $10+ you get a sticker

• Round 2: You get a T-shirt just for making it into round 2. 

• Finalists Who Don’t Win: Still featured, still paid, still on our radar.

Everyone who enters gets something—even if it’s just respect (and probably some digital love).

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🧠 How to Win

You are in control of your destiny here.

Writing the story is only the first step. Getting people to support it is how you win.

Once voting opens on July 1st, your job is to get people to your Givebutter link. Every $2 = 1 vote.

Use Instagram, TikTok, email, whatever works. Don’t be shy. Be loud. Share your story and why it matters.

People can't vote for you if they don’t know you exist.

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📝 Legal Stuff (The Important But Boring Section)

• All entries must be original, true stories from the person submitting them.

• You grant InkShield Initiative limited rights to use your story (written and audio) for promotional and educational purposes.

• You still own your story. Always will.

• We won’t sell your story or pretend it’s ours. But we might share it.

• By entering, you agree to all of this.

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🚫Rule Enforcement Disclaimer
To keep the contest fair, we reserve the right to decline or remove any entry that does not follow the contest guidelines. This includes—but isn’t limited to—sharing your video publicly before July 1st, using AI-generated content without disclosure, or otherwise misrepresenting your work.
We’re not looking to play hall monitor, but we do care about giving every voice a fair shot.

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If you don’t like the terms, don’t enter. If you have questions, email us. We’re chill.

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👉 Think you’ve got a story worth telling?
[Submit Yours Here]