Attention Greater Cleveland: Fresh Water Cleveland is partnering with YWCA Greater Cleveland as they host the second annual It’s Time to Talk Forum on Race. As part of this partnership, we are seeking to hear from you.  We want to know:

Why is an open and honest discussion about race important to you and your community?

Please submit your essay (250-500 words) by Friday, Feb. 12 at midnight. Entries should be e-mailed to the YWCA with the subject line “It’s Time to Talk Essay.” Three winners will be chosen and their essays will be published in Fresh Water. These responses will help to kick start the conversation about race in our community! We are looking to hear from high school students, college students and community members.

Each winner will receive a ticket to It’s Time to Talk Forum on Race.  Participants will expand their cultural competency, have an open and honest table discussion about race, hear from keynote speaker Bernie Moreno and leave with tools and strategies that they can put into action. Tickets are $125 for this event on Monday, Feb. 22 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Renaissance Cleveland Hotel. 

Disclaimer: Winners must live and/or work in Greater Cleveland and be able to attend It’s Time to Talk on February 22, 2016. The prize(s) that may be awarded to the eligible winner(s) are not redeemable for cash or exchangeable for any other prize. No essay will be given preference over any other essay on the basis of an applicant’s name, school, age, employment status, gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, nationality, or any legally-protected status. One entry per person allowed. Winners will be chosen by YWCA Greater Cleveland and Fresh Water Cleveland [Contest Hosts]. Contest Hosts reserve the right to expand, limit, or reduce the number of winners at any time.

By participating in the Contest, each participant and winner waives any and all claims of liability against the Contest Hosts, their employees and agents, the sponsors of It’s Time to Talk and their respective employees and agents, for any personal injury or loss which may occur from the conduct of, or participation in, the Contest, or from the use of the prize. Entries cannot be acknowledged; essays become property of the Contest Hosts. Participants agree to allow Contest Hosts to use their names, photographs, and essays for promotional and publicity purposes. Essays cannot be published without written permission from YWCA Greater Cleveland. By entering, participants agree to be bound by these rules and the decisions of Contest Hosts. Contest Hosts may cancel the contest without notice at any time. The contest is void where prohibited, taxed, or restricted by law.