Submissions

We strive to support young, scrappy trailblazers just like you. In an effort to build a more compassionate, and equitable world we invite people from any background to contribute to our stories, and our work. Work submitted isn't judged on prior experience or the quality of past submissions but the character of its content.

Additionally, in an effort to inspire the next generation of storytellers, we promise to provide specific, actionable feedback on any proposal regardless of wether it is selected to be featured or not.

*Please note, that at this time "With the Crew." does not provide funding or grants to any submission regardless of quality. Our vision is a platform where stories from around the world can be shared and celebrated. Giving voices specifically to photographers, storytellers, and engineers from "Global South" countries in an effort to change perceptions in America and Europe. We are working to offer opportunities for funding in the future.

General Submission Information

Who can apply?

While we specifically strive to feature stories from engineers, filmmakers, photographers, and writers who live in "Global South" nations and under-served communities within those nations, our true goal is to change hearts and minds. We wish to change perceptions and make the world a more compassionate place. In that spirit, we accept submissions from any and all individuals but give preference to storytellers who don't already have a large platform or audience. We strive to be a very human-centered and fair organization so if you have any questions, please reach out.

If you are an established journalist with significant experience and you would like to propose a project or join our editorial board we would love to have you. One of our main missions is to teach the art of rigorous journalism to the next generation and we could use your help.

How are submissions evaluated?

The following sections are pretty specific, but in general submissions are evaluated on the uniqueness of the perspective they bring or the story they tell. Remember that our main mission as an organization is to change perceptions, hearts, and minds. To bring to light truths from all over the world in an age where it is desperately needed. Think of it like this, what do you want the world to know about your community, the people who live there, their hopes, dreams, and real issues that we all face?

In one sentence, we want to feature stories of "regular" people from anywhere because we believe everyone's voice deserves to be heard.

After submissions are evaluated they are placed in one of three categories: Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3. Tier 1 submissions are either ready for publishing or require minor changes, framing, etc. Tier 2 submissions may require significant work, but the story is powerful enough that we believe we can work with you to tell it effectively. Tier 3 submissions are provided with specific feedback to aid in future submissions, are encouraged to re-apply, and equally encouraged to stay in contact with our team to further shape their ideas. However, we cannot offer Tier 3 submissions publication unless they re-apply. You may re-apply as many times as you wish. Submissions should be in English, or translated to English, but are not evaluated on the quality of their English.

Note on Politically-Charged Topics, and Opinion Pieces.

First and foremost, we are an aggressively non-political organization. But we acknowledge deeply that many powerful stories that need to be heard often deal in politically-charged topics. If you have a story related to gun violence, human rights, privacy, equality, or similar, we support you, and we stand with you. We think these stories need to be heard, and we are committed to proving a platform where they can be told.

However, we do not support any political party or any specific legislation. We believe in a brighter future for humanity regardless of party or affiliation. We are independent, and we publish pieces based on building a better world for everyone, equally. We reserve the right to reject submissions that we believe may be damaging to this mission.

That being said. Tell us your story, please.

Specific Submission Requirements

Submission Guidelines - Photojournalism / Photographic

Our organization has its roots in photojournalism and film and we strive to provide a platform to showcase powerful photographs that tell equally powerful stories. Please submit the following to be considered for photographic/photojournalism submissions.

An individual photograph or collection of photographs as part of a project in relation to one of our major categories of storytelling.*
A caption, paragraph, or article that is related to the photograph and accurately captures what the image wishes to convey and what readers should take away from this image.
Any specific information must provide academic or similarly rigorous citations (for example, a post about the history of Osu Castle in Ghana must provide sources related to any historical facts that are cited). Primary sources are acceptable as well - subject to discretion, contact us for details.
Photographs must be taken only with consent of the parties being photographed either in the form of a signed media release or verbal consent. Photographs of children must be submitted with consent from parents or guardians. Exceptions to this include public protests, public events where photography is allowed, and situations where consent is dangerous or impossible to obtain.
Anonymous submissions are permitted.

*Our major areas of storytelling are health, environment/planning, technology, food/water, human rights, education, and stories. The "stories" category can be any powerful story that doesn't fall into any of the other categories.

Submission Guidelines - Article / Story

We welcome both article and story submissions for publication. We look for engaging stories about real issues facing real people, stories about how people have overcome challenges, stories about communities, history, culture, or any of our listed categories. Please submit the following to be considered for article / story submissions.

One article or story about an individual, community, or organization and centered around their experiences with, or attempts to solve a specific problem in the global sphere. Environmental stories need not be about individuals but direct environmental impact on communities / individuals is preferred.
Submissions do not have a minimum or maximum length within reasonable bounds but realize that submissions over 2000 words may not be read in full and submissions under 250 words may not have enough content to be a story.
Photographs are not required but are highly encouraged. They need not be of the quality of photojournalistic submissions. Reach out to our team if you're having trouble with photography so we may provide direction or connect you to one of our photojournlists in the area.
Interviews are permitted if they relate to our major categories and tell stories that are important to the submissions categories.
Information and data not from primary sources must cite appropriate sources. Verification of facts is essential to a successful article so cross-check your details across multiple sources.
Stories on engineering and scientific solutions to global problems are more than welcome. If metrics are presented to define the success of these solutions, they must be SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bounded).

Please note, we do not publish advertisements, political agendas, or un-cited data/information/facts. We do not publish policy recommendations or reactions to government proceedings.

Film / Motion Picture / Video Submissions

Film, Motion Picture, and Video submissions are welcome at any stage of production from concept to final. Video submissions may be "Instagram-style reels" or more formal Youtube explanation videos. We also accept feature films, full-length documentaries, shorts, and fictional films if the themes match our mission. Film and Motion Picture submissions must be able to be released free of charge for public viewing on online streaming services. Submissions to prior film festivals are welcome but must be "reasonably modern" which is up to our discretion. Submissions must fall into at least one of the major categories listed above and tell important stories of powerful characters, or work to change hearts and minds on a specific topic. We do not accept advertisements or interviews without context as video submissions. Please contact us directly for details.

Data / Research Publications

While we do not explicitly publish research in the same way a journal does, we provide a platform to allow nonprofits, organizations, and researchers to showcase their data, and research findings. We welcome submissions in any form including videos, instagram posts, raw datasets, maps, and more. Please note that metrics presented must be SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-Bounded). The number of people your research affects is not as important to us as the quality of how you've affected them.

Tell us your story >

Or email us with a useful subject line at hello@withthecrew.media ;)