Abortion Monologues Call For Submissions

Viva La Feminista writes about the advent of the "Abortion Monologues" which are being organized by the Chicago Foundation for Women and the Our Voices, Our Choices reproductive health coalition. With the intention to build off of the success of the Vagina Monologues, the organizers are seeking women willing to share their stories of dealing with abortion on stage. If you're interested in participating, see the submission information below and fill out this application here.

Call for Submissions

Event Overview: The Chicago Foundation for Women and the Our Voices, Our Choices reproductive health coalition are planning to celebrate the Roe v Wade decision in January 2009 with an event based loosely on the Vagina Monologues model. Our event would highlight the personal stories of women who encountered barriers trying to access abortion information and services. We expect to hear 3 - 4 stories, told by the women themselves or by another who shares the story for someone else. A moderated discussion involving the audience follows the monologues. The evening event will be held at the Center on Halsted, 3656 North Halsted.

Submissions are welcome from women of all ages, and we hope that our event will reflect a breadth anddepth of diversity, a range of ethnic/racial backgrounds, gender identities and sexual orientations.
Submission Criteria: The Story Collection Group is calling for story submissions under the following criteria:

• Stories from/about women who have faced extraordinary barriers accessing abortion information and services;
• The story must be typed and limited to 1,000 words;
• Please do not staple or bind submissions (paper clips acceptable);
• Each submission must include the author's name, address, and contact information;
• The submission must be accompanied by a completed, signed release, which is attached to this call for submissions;
• The selection committee will not reveal the identity or content of any submission except upon consent of the author;
• Submissions will be reviewed by a selection committee comprised of OVOC coalition members, which will select 4 - 5 stories for potential use in the show;
• The selection committee cannot guarantee use of any submission, and submissions can not be returned to the author;
• Submissions selected for the show will be edited to a 3 minute script;
• If a submission is selected for the event, the author may choose to perform it or have the selection committee identify a performer to read the story on the author's behalf;
• Submissions may be emailed or snail-mailed. No fax submissions will be accepted.

How to Send In Your Story: Mailed submissions must be accompanied by a signed release, postmarked by Friday, November 14, 2008, and sent to Chicago Abortion Fund, P.O. Box 2751, Chicago 60690. Emailed submissions must be received by Friday, November 14, 2008 at outreach@chicagoabortionfund.com. If you choose to email your submission, please mail a completed, signed release to the above address by November 14, 2008. We cannot consider submissions without a signed release.