Call for Pitches: Geez 46, Exodus Stories

by Aiden Enns | Published 3rd February 2017 in Social Change

Out my back door Credit: Hugh Grew (link below)

Deadline for pitches: February 15, 2017

We’re looking for stories of exodus, migration, transformation, repentance, reconciliation, healing, deliverance, solidarity, camaraderie. These stories can encourage us, build a sense of community, and provide options for others looking to change.

With this next issue of Geez magazine, we are mindful that 81 percent of “white evangelical or white born again Christians” in the 2016 U.S. presidential election voted for a candidate that is far from compassionate, welcoming, and critical of wealth worship.

Many white Geez readers and writers have come from conservative Christian backgrounds. Now is the time to hear your stories of positive social change. Other Geez readers and writers are people of colour and/or adherents of other religious practices. What concerns, stories, strategies, words of advice do you have to share?

How have you made your migration from a land of hardness, hatred, or unchecked privilege to a space of openness and commitment to the welfare of all creatures especially those in need, on the margins, or living without privilege?

Note: A good pitch for a story will include character, motivation, and action: tell us about yourself and your (difficult) situation; tell us why you want to change; and describe the steps you took, words your said, changes you made. (Iris Yudai at CBC’s The Doc Project describes very well these three elements of a good pitch.)

Can you write something on this topic? Send us your pitch.

Notes about submissions
We want long-form journalism, personal stories of transformation, short bursts of feelings, nuggets of insight, and inspiration. Pick your aspect of the topic and expand with personal experience, researched wisdom, or spiritual insight.

In a great pitch, you describe the story, explain how it’s a perfect fit for Geez, list the sources you’ll consult, and state why you’re the best person to write it (see contact info and deadline below).


1. Longer non-fiction pieces, length: 650 or 1300 words: 

We’re looking for creative non-fiction essays, investigative articles or research-based pieces on the topic above. While a reference to your personal experience is welcome, readers need wisdom from other sources as well (interviews, books, articles, theologians, social-justice activists, academics, and moms and dads). Pitches should be one page, touch on the wider context of your topic and name at least one other source you will be consulting. Here’s a request: Please think of yourself as a Geez contributing editor. Ask yourself, What would readers who are social-justice oriented and at the fringes of faith want to read on this topic? If your pitch is accepted you’ll usually have three to four weeks to complete the piece.

2. Flash non-fiction, length: 50-350 words:

These are short, personal experiences or insights. Your piece should capture a moment that illuminates a larger issue or convey a feeling familiar to us all. This is a chance to bring hope, insight, emotion, and connection to readers. Think of it as a snapshot with words.

3. Photos/illustrations: 

Consider the topic above and send original photographs (i.e. you took the photo) or illustrations that provoke or pacify, animate or incite. Or, if you know of a photographer or illustrator who can deliver an awesome photo essay or series of drawings and is willing to get big play in a premium little magazine for a modest honorarium, please pass this pitch along.

Tips for pitches: 

The Geez project is a discussion among people of faith seeking social justice. Our readers and writers express this through art, activism (a creative critique of those in power and the structures that keep them there, the promotion of alternative practices that subvert such powers), contemplation and a “more-grounded, interconnected” approach to living.

Additional info


Before pitching, please read our guidelines for writers. 
Ideally we would like to respond personally to every piece of correspondence we receive. But given the number of submissions we receive – and having tried to respond to all – we realize it is just not possible. If you do not hear back from us within six weeks assume that we were unable to use your submission.

Deadline for pitches: February 15, 2017

Send pitches, manuscripts and images to


Geez editor, Aiden Enns

email: stories [at] geezmagazine [dot] org

mail: 
Geez magazine 
400 Edmonton Street
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 2M2
 Canada

Above photo, Hugh Grew, CC, flickr.com