A Space to
Speak Up
Traditional platforms rarely give young people a space to speak up without strict rules, complex formatting, or unrealistic expectations. We are changing that.
Whether you want to write something completely fresh, vent about a topic you love, or give a second life to an awesome school assignment or speech you've already written — we want to read it.
To keep things fair, we are splitting the competition into two brackets. Both brackets have their own 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place cash prizes.
The Junior Bracket
Ages 8–15
Primary school through Year 9
🥇1st Place — Cash Prize
🥈2nd Place — Cash Prize
🥉3rd Place — Cash Prize
The Senior Bracket
Ages 16–25
Year 10 through University & beyond
🥇1st Place — Cash Prize
🥈2nd Place — Cash Prize
🥉3rd Place — Cash Prize
Even if you don't take home a main bracket prize, you are automatically in the running for these awesome titles.
🏆
The Eco-Voice Award
For the best article tackling an environmental issue.
📊
The Deep Dive Award
For the best researched and most factual article.
🦄
The Maverick Award
For the most unique, unexpected, and outside-the-box topic.
Our Independent
Judging Panel
We want your work evaluated properly. All submissions will be reviewed by an independent panel of qualified experts specialising in culture, society, and the environment.
We are currently partnering with academic minds from leading universities to help judge the final entries — and give your writing the credibility it deserves.
We keep the rules simple so you can focus on the ideas.
✍️
Word Count
Aim for roughly 600 to 1,200 words.
🌍
The Topics
Your piece just needs to loosely connect to culture, society, or the environment — anything from school stress and gaming culture to global climate issues.
🎓
School Projects Welcome
Got a great essay, project, or speech you did for class? You can absolutely submit it. Just double-check your school's guidelines on sharing your own work.
📄
File Format
Make sure your article is saved as a clear text document (Word or Google Doc).
📅
Entry Deadline
December 20th, 2026
All entries must be locked in by this date.
1
Get Your File Ready
Make sure your article is saved as a clear text document — a Word file or Google Doc works perfectly.
2
Fill in Your Details
Click the entry button below to add your details, select your age bracket, and upload your piece.
3
Submit & Pay
Process the $2 entry fee to lock in your submission. That's it — you're in the running.
🎉 Entry Received!
Thank you for entering the 2026 Launch Competition. Check your email for details on completing your $2 entry fee — your submission is locked in once payment is confirmed.
Why is there a $2 entry fee?
The draftling is entirely independent. The $2 fee doesn't go to line anyone's pockets — it goes directly toward keeping our website running, managing submissions, and building a sustainable platform for young writers.
Can I submit more than one article?
Absolutely. If you've got multiple topics you're passionate about, go for it. Just note that each unique article requires its own submission form and entry fee.
What style of writing are you looking for?
We value your perspective over rigid journalism structures. We accept opinion pieces, essays, informational articles, or deep-dives. If you have something to say, it belongs here.
How will the winners be announced?
Our judges will review all submissions over the summer break, and winners will be contacted directly via email and announced right here on the site in January 2027.
The Stage Is Yours
Ready to Enter?
You have the most important perspective on the future. Whether it's a fresh idea, a passionate rant, or a school piece with a second life — we want to read it.
