1) Why is the publication named Streetside Conversations?
2) Why emphasize conversation about justice rather than action?
3) Who can write for Streetside Conversations? How do I submit?
4) But I don’t think of myself or my work as being justice-oriented?!
5) What form of submissions are you accepting?
6) Who is the audience?
7) How can I get involved?
1) Why “Streetside conversations”?
The name Streetside Conversations draws inspiration from the many conversations that happen daily around the world at on street corners, at market stands, under shade trees, and in coffee and tea shops. We hope it conveys a sense of being in the middle of the action, yet taking the time to reflect and process with others. For more information about our purpose, please see our Vision Statement.
2) Why emphasize conversation about justice rather than action?
We chose to emphasize these conversations for two reasons: first, because conversation is a form of reflection that helps us better our practices of justice, and second, because conversations transform us and others into people who care about justice. We believe that conversation is itself a powerful action, but one that must be paired with other forms of action to be meaningful. Our focus at Streetside Conversations is on reflecting on our practices of justice, rather than discussing justice in abstract terms, in hopes that we will become better at practicing justice and motivate others to do likewise in their own contexts. For a more detailed reflection on conversation as a form of action, please read Talking Our Way to Transformation written by our co-founder Johanna Depenthal.
3) Who can write for Streetside Conversations? How do I submit?
We welcome submissions from anyone interested on reflecting on how they practice justice. Justice can be practiced in a myriad of ways, both great and small. We want to hear about how people practice justice in all areas of life, whether it’s in decisions about where to live or what to buy, how to relate to others in our communities, as part of a part time volunteer position, or as an integral part of someone’s job. We do ask, however, that submissions be related to the themes announced for that particular publishing cycle, as found here.
4) But I don’t think of myself or my work as being justice-oriented?
Our understanding of justice here at Streetside Conversations is a very expansive one. For us, justice encompasses any work or interaction that strives to give people their due as human beings—whether that is food and water, legal rights, healthcare access, or less material things such as time, love, compassion, and dignity. We also affirm justice for the world around us through the right treatment of the natural environment and its non-human inhabitants. We must work together to address systemic and societal injustices, but it would be idiotic of us to think we can solve problems at a large scale without also emphasizing just living in our daily choices and interpersonal relationships. Based in this understanding, almost any act can become a way to practice justice.
5) What form of submissions are you accepting?
Most of our reflection pieces combine elements of essay, narrative non-fiction, and memoir, but we are open to considering a variety of genres, including arts-based submissions such as photo essays or non-fiction poetry. The purpose of Streetside Conversations, however, is to encourage people to reflect on their experiences of practicing justice daily in small and creative ways, and how it motivates action by others. This means that we are interested in pieces that deal directly with the author’s experience, yet at the same time draw conclusions which can be appreciated and applied by the piece’s readers.
6) Who is the audience?
Our desire is to create a place for conversations with contributors across generations, faith-practices, national identity, and cultural backgrounds. Streetside Conversations is not religiously affiliated, but we recognize that for many people religion is a main motivation for justice and welcome conversations which include faith.
7) How can I get involved?
Be a writer: We are always looking for writers, who can submit their work to editor@streetsideconversations.com. For more information please check here.
Suggest a theme: We welcome suggested themes for future publishing cycles. Please submit your suggestion via our contact form with the subject line “Suggested Theme.”
Join the team: We have a dynamic team that contributes to the ins and outs of this platform. All positions are part-time and unpaid. If you are interested to know more about available positions please click here.
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