( Added: March 17, 2008 ) - Raving Dove, a nonprofit, anti-war, online literary journal, is now accepting submissions for its first annual Evolve Beyond Violence Nonfiction Essay Award. First-place prize: $1,000, publicity, and publication in Raving Dove's fall 2008 edition. Three honorable mentions will also be published. Entries are open to the international community through September 1, 2008. Specific entry requirements can be found at www.ravingdove.org.

Essay themes: Anti-war, anti-violence, human rights, and/or peace-related topics. The writing can either depict the tragedy of violence and war, or the hope that one day we can evolve beyond it. Submissions should be thought-provoking and paint a moving portrait of our static human condition. Writing will be judged equally on excellence of writing and the ability to effectively communicate the chosen theme. Raving Dove's editor and board of directors will serve as judges.

Permissible subtopics include firsthand or familial experience with war or violence, historical perspectives of international conflicts, exposes about individuals or organizations working tirelessly to perpetuate peace, visions of change for future generations, and any other related subject matter.

"Violence does not eradicate violence," says Raving Dove founder Jo-Ann Moss. "Raving Dove's mission is to share creative, humanitarian insights about the futility of orchestrated violence. Our nonfiction essay competition will help advance our mission." Award sponsorship is also available. Sponsorship will offer one individual the opportunity to rename the competition in 2009 after a loved one who has died unwillingly at the hands of violence.