MOCJ Programs
Next Verse: Voices for Change
Next Verse: Voices for Change (Next Verse) is a poetry initiative that explores the city’s cultural and physical landscapes through the lens of public safety. Next Verse offers local creatives an outlet to share their lived experiences and build confidence through poetry, inspiring conversations about the richness of urban culture.
Partner PROGRAMS & ORGANIZATIONS
Focus Domains
Arts & Culture
Snapshot
Eligibility
- Participants must be in one of the following eligible age groups:
- Ages 13 to 24
- Ages 35+
- Participants must reside in New York City.
- All poetry submissions are welcome.
All work must be original.
Call for Submissions
Launched in the fall of 2025, Next Verse: Voices for Change was created to amplify the voices of poets citywide on topics related to public safety. MOCJ is proud to continue the Next Verse initiative—this time expanding the platform to ensure even more voices have an opportunity to speak their truths!
We are accepting submissions for the Spring 2026 cycle in two age categories: Ages 13-24 and Ages 35+. Writing prompts for each group are as follows:
Ages 13-24
Participants are invited to submit a poetry piece that explores:
- What safety looks like;
- What safety feels like; and
- What safety smells like in New York City to you.
Ages 35+
Participants are invited to submit a poetry piece focused on desistance from the justice system. Writers are encouraged to respond to the following prompt:
- Who benefited when I changed?
Submission Deadline:
All submissions must be received by April 24, 2026.
* Please ensure all contact information is accurate and up to date. Failure to respond or inability to contact a participant may result in forfeiture of the contest.
MOCJ will contact selected winners and their families to coordinate awards and next steps. Winners will receive cash prizes up to $500.
The citizens of our city have a voice, and at MOCJ, we are committed to amplifying those voices. If you’ve ever felt compelled to express yourself through poetry, this is your moment.
You’ve got next.
