1st Place: Jamal Thomas – Privatize the Methods, Publicize the Profits
“The main issue with implementing Georgist principles is not in the research, but in the application. Trying to use politics and campaigns have beared little fruit. So, a possible option is to privatize some of our ideas and demonstrate that Georgism works. This can be done with full reserve equity banking.”
Read here
2nd Place: Paul Forrester – Locke and George on Original Acquisition
“This essay is a comparison of Lockean and Georgist natural governance regimes and analysis of their distributive implications.”
Read here
Henry George School of Social Science’s
3rd ANNUAL
Writing Contests
Through these contests, we aim to inspire exploration and creativity around the timeless ideas championed by Henry George. In a rapidly evolving 21st century landscape, the principles of Henry George continue to resonate and offer valuable insights into pressing economic, social, and environmental challenges.
There will be two separate contests: one for college/graduate students and one for high school students. We invite U.S.-based students to delve into these ideas, express their perspectives, and ignite meaningful conversations. Whether you’re passionate about economics, social justice, environmental sustainability, or simply eager to explore new ideas, this contest offers a platform for your voice to be heard.
We look forward to reading your submissions and witnessing the diverse interpretations and reflections on Henry George’s vision in today’s world.
Good luck to all and happy writing!
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- TOPICS
Participants are to choose from one of the following topics:
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- Climate change
- Impact of Artificial Intelligence on labor and the economy
- Land value taxation
- Monopolies
- Social and economic inequality
It is understood and acceptable that some of the topics may be related to one another.
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Click on the appropriate tab below for details about each contest.
COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY & GRADUATE STUDENTS
Requirements
- Essays should provide an in-depth analysis of a current issue concerning monopolies, anti-trust, free trade, land value taxation, economic rent, economic and social inequality, natural resources, or corporate welfare (i.e. city development policy, tax breaks, bailouts, etc.).
- Your chosen topic can be blended with other elements of Henry George’s philosophies, if appropriate.
- We welcome the submission of papers prepared for course work, but entrants must pay attention to competition details and edit such papers accordingly.
- No author identifying information may be included in the body of the essay. The author’s name should only be shared in the body of the submission email.
- It is recommended that the short summary of your envisioned essay be approximately 200 words.
- It is recommended that papers be between 10-25 pages (double spaced, one-inch margins).
- Papers must be unpublished.
Judging Considerations
- Depth of analysis
- Originality and difficulty of topic
- Quality of thesis/argument
- Quality of research
- Conciseness; quality will be valued over quantity
- Form and quality of citations and sources
- Conformity with requirements of the contest
Eligibility and Awards
Undergraduate and graduate students enrolled at any U.S.-based colleges and universities are eligible to enter. A committee of Henry George School trustees and staff will judge the papers over the summer, and winners will be announced on Monday, September 2, 2024.
Winners are awarded:
- $1,000 for 1st place
- $750 for 2nd place
- $500 for 3rd place
Top papers will be considered for posting on the Henry George School of Social Science’s website and social media.
Register here
HIGH SCHOOL
Requirements
- Essays should provide an in-depth analysis of a current issue concerning monopolies, anti-trust, free trade, land value taxation, economic rent, economic and social inequality, natural resources, or corporate welfare (i.e. city development policy, tax breaks, bailouts, etc.).
- Your chosen topic can be blended with other elements of Henry George’s philosophies, if appropriate.
- We welcome the submission of papers prepared for course work, but entrants must pay attention to competition details and edit such papers accordingly.
- No author identifying information may be included in the body of the essay. The author’s name should only be shared in the body of the submission email.
- It is recommended that the short summary of your envisioned essay be approximately 200 words.
- It is recommended that papers be between 5-10 pages (double spaced, one-inch margins).
- Papers must be unpublished.
Judging Considerations
- Depth of analysis
- Originality and difficulty of topic
- Quality of thesis/argument
- Quality of research
- Conciseness; quality will be valued over quantity
- Form and quality of citations and sources
- Conformity with requirements of the contest
Eligibility and Awards
Students currently enrolled at any U.S.-based high schools are eligible to enter. A committee of Henry George School trustees and staff will judge the papers over the summer, and winners will be announced on Monday, September 2, 2024.
Winners are awarded:
- $550 for 1st place
- $350 for 2nd place
- $200 for 3rd place
Top papers will be considered for posting on the Henry George School of Social Science’s website and social media.
Register here
- WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO ENTER?
- Current college/university and graduate students
- High school students
- All colleges/universities/high schools MUST BE U.S.-based
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MONETARY PRIZES
The top 3 essays from each contest will be awarded monetary prizes (see below for more details) and will be considered for posting on the Henry George School of Social Science’s website and related social media platforms.
- DATES TO REMEMBER:
- Registration with short summary of envisioned essay submission deadline: Monday, May 6, 2024 by 11:59:59 PM ET
- Full essay submission deadline: Friday, July 12, 2024 by 11:59:59 PM ET
- Awards announcement: Monday, September 2, 2024
- HOW TO REGISTER:
- Your registration must contain a short summary of approximately 200 words of your envisioned essay
- We recommend using your school/university email address for registration
- Click the button below that is appropriate for your selection
- HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR ESSAY:
- Please submit your essay to writingcontest@hgsss.org
- We recommend using your school/university email address for submissions
- In the email subject line, please indicate:
- To which contest you are submitting your essay: college/university & graduate students or high school
- The title of your essay
- For example:
- C/U & G – Henry George and Monopolies
- HS – Henry George and Monopolies
- In the body of your email, please include your full name, school affiliation, and contact phone number
- DO NOT INCLUDE ANY PERSONAL IDENTIFYING INFORMATION IN THE ESSAY ITSELF. (You may include identifying information in the body of the email.)
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