The Challenge Write an open letter to a specific audience that calls attention to an issue or problem and prompts reflection or action on it. Whether you choose to write to your parents, teachers, school board members or mayor; a member of Congress; the head of a corporation; an artist or entertainer; or a metonym like “Silicon Valley” or “The Kremlin,” ask yourself, What do I care about? Who can make changes, big or small, local or global, to address my issue or problem? What specifically do I want my audience to understand or do? And how can I write this as an “open letter,” compelling not just to me and the recipient, but to the general audience who will be reading my words? The Times has published numerous open letters over the years, to both famous and ordinary people. You can find a long list of free examples in our related guide. This contest invites students to express themselves and imagine that their words can lead to real change. Your open letter MUST: Focus on an issue you care about and with which you have some experience. You can write about almost anything you like, whether it’s a serious issue like bullying, or something more lighthearted like why bugs deserve respect, but