Lions International Peace Essay Contest
The International Peace Essay Contest gives visually-impaired children ages 11-13 the opportunity to share what peace means to them through writing. Each year, Lions clubs around the world sponsor the contest in schools and organized youth groups, giving young people the opportunity to express their thoughts and feelings about the current year’s theme through the written word. They'll also have the chance to win a prize of US$5,000, an award and an invitation to a Lions International event.
The 2026-2027 contest
Harmony in Humanity
When we treat each other with respect and kindness, peace can flourish. This year, we invite young people to imagine a world where people of every culture and background live together peacefully — celebrating differences, finding common ground and creating true harmony in humanity.
How to sponsor a contest
Want to sponsor a Peace Essay Contest for young people in your area? It’s easy to get started! Just follow these simple steps.
Gather your team
Sponsoring a Peace Essay Contest takes teamwork. Start by identifying club members who will help you plan and run your contest, and reach out to your district Peace Poster chairperson for additional guidance. Together, your team will help you identify local partners and spread the word about the contest.
Connect with your community
Peace Essay Contests can be sponsored in schools and organized youth groups. Work with your team to reach out to these schools and youth groups and express your interest in sponsoring a contest with them.
Download the contest form
The official International Essay Contest form outlines the contest theme, rules, criteria and includes the official entry form to be completed and sent with each essay.
Important deadlines
If you’re planning to sponsor a contest, keep the following dates top of mind so you don’t miss any submission deadlines.
Club
- November 15: Postmark deadline for a club to send one winning essay to the district governor. Note: A participating club should notify its district governor in advance of sending an entry and confirm the date of the district judging at that time.
- December 1: Postmark deadline for a club not belonging to a district to send one winning entry directly to the Brand & Creative Department at Lions International Headquarters.
- February 1: The president of the club that sponsored the grand prize winner’s school or youth group will be notified on or before this date.
District
- December 1: Postmark deadline for a district to send one winning essay to the multiple district council chairperson. A district not belonging to a multiple district must send its entries directly to the Brand & Creative Department at Lions International Headquarters (postmarked by December 1).
Multiple district
- December 15: Postmark deadline for a multiple district to send one winning essay to the Brand & Creative Department at Lions International Headquarters.
Meet the peace contests winners
Be inspired by the creativity of the current winners of the International Peace Contests.
