UNITING TALENT WITHOUT BORDERS
Join the international charity inclusive poetry competition
"Voices Without Borders"
2025
"Voices Without Borders"
2025
We unite talented authors from all over the world. The competition is open to all ages and neurodiversity. Participate and win valuable prizes, diplomas and certificates. Entries are accepted in Russian, Serbian, English, Spanish, German and French.
Voices Without Borders is an international inclusive poetry competition designed to bring together talented authors, regardless of their age, location, or neurodiversity.
Voices Without Borders is an international inclusive poetry competition designed to bring together talented authors, regardless of their age, location, or neurodiversity.
International Inclusive Poetry Competition "Voices Without Borders"
Why is this important
Every year, the number of children born with autism grows.
Research in the US has confirmed that every 36th child is born with autism. Research in different countries, such as Spain, Korea, Japan, also confirm that more than 3% of children at an early age have ASD.
Scientists have proven that from an evolutionary (genetic) point of view, the increase in the prevalence of autism in the human population is due to the greater attractiveness for marriage of people capable of "hyperconcentration" - these are scientists, analysts, musicians, IT specialists and entrepreneurs, athletes and many others.
Children and adults with autism are special. The spectrum of superpowers and deficits is more diverse than in neurotypical individuals. With timely correction and assistance to families, these individuals can be integrated into society and contribute much to humanity.
Research in the US has confirmed that every 36th child is born with autism. Research in different countries, such as Spain, Korea, Japan, also confirm that more than 3% of children at an early age have ASD.
Scientists have proven that from an evolutionary (genetic) point of view, the increase in the prevalence of autism in the human population is due to the greater attractiveness for marriage of people capable of "hyperconcentration" - these are scientists, analysts, musicians, IT specialists and entrepreneurs, athletes and many others.
Children and adults with autism are special. The spectrum of superpowers and deficits is more diverse than in neurotypical individuals. With timely correction and assistance to families, these individuals can be integrated into society and contribute much to humanity.
- every 36
Every 36th child on the planet is born with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD, autism) - 15 percent
15% of children in the world are born with various disorders and congenital diseases - every 6
Every sixth person on the planet has a disability - $110 000
The annual cost to the US economy per child with autism. This means that 89% of children are fully independent by the age of 17
- 80/20 percent
With early treatment, only 20% of children with autism need support into adulthood. Without treatment, that number is 60%. - 70 M people
At least 70 million people worldwide with autism require housing support. Of these, 1.4 million are in Europe. - 30 percent
Swedish budget spending reduced by 30% after transition from residential care to supported housing - 80/20
With timely treatment, only 20% of children with autism require support in life until adulthood. Without treatment - 60%.
Competition goals
- Moving towards an inclusive societyTo promote a more inclusive society where every voice is valued and respected. To promote the integration of people with disabilities into the cultural life of society.
- AwarenessTo help neurotypical people better understand the world of people with neurodivergence, especially those with autism spectrum disorder. To draw attention to the topic of autism and inform investors about the potential of supported living projects for people with autism and other high needs.
- Self-realizationTo provide people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities with a platform for self-expression and creativity through poetry.
Conditions of participation in the competition
In accordance with the Competition Rules, professional poets, amateurs and anyone passionate about poetry are invited to participate. The competition has established a special nomination for authors with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other neurodiversities. The main condition: The author, theme or hero of the work must be a person with a disability of any nosology or his/her relative.
- AgeAny age. Age categories for children and youth are provided.
- ResidenceAny country and place of residence Any citizenship
- Number of poemsEach participant can submit a maximum of three works.
- Languages of 2025Russian
Serbian
English
French
Spanish
German - Size of a poemThe length of each poem should not exceed 36 lines.
- Other conditionsPoems must be original. Creation of poems using artificial intelligence is not permitted (poems that do not meet this criterion will be reviewed and rejected)
Sola Monova
Head of the competition jury
Yulia Solomonova is a poet, actress, model, singer, film director, theater director, and is considered the most widely read poet on Runet by number of subscribers.
Alexander Drouz
Our Very Special Guest
Alexander Abramovich Drouz, the legend of Soviet and Russian intellectual games and television, will perform the winning poem on the finalists' Gala-concert. We hope it will help promote our finalist's career!
Alexander is the Master of the game "What? Where? When?" (ChGK), winner of the "Diamond Owl" award, as well as a six-time winner of the "Crystal Owl" award. He's a three-time world champion in the sport version of ChGK and the director of the St. Petersburg branch of the International Association of ChGK Clubs (MAK ChGK). He's also a Grandmaster of the television quiz show "Svoya Igra" (Jeopardy!) and a multiple-time champion of the game "Brain-Ring."
Alexander is the Master of the game "What? Where? When?" (ChGK), winner of the "Diamond Owl" award, as well as a six-time winner of the "Crystal Owl" award. He's a three-time world champion in the sport version of ChGK and the director of the St. Petersburg branch of the International Association of ChGK Clubs (MAK ChGK). He's also a Grandmaster of the television quiz show "Svoya Igra" (Jeopardy!) and a multiple-time champion of the game "Brain-Ring."
Jury
We are still negotiating with several additional members of Jury. Here's who we have on board at the moment:
- Elena BagaradnikovaInternational expert on autism. Founder of large-scale projects supporting families with autistic children in Russia, including the "People as People" festival and the "Parent Reception" program.
- Robin DelcroixTeacher of history, geography, and French as a foreign language. Founder of the language school https://www.discuss-it.com/.
- Julia ShestakovaLifestyle Director, Adam's Space (Serbia)
- Gleb IgrunovProducer, editor, photographer, designer
Organizers
- Oksana NovitskaiaAutism expert, ex-head of analytical group of Out-fund (Russia), founder and director, Adam's Space Solutions
- Sergey FilatovExecutive Director, Adam's Space Solutions
- Egor RebrikovAdministrator, volunteer
Awards and gifts
The winner of the competition, prize winners and winners in the nominations will receive prizes that will help them develop their future poetic careers, as well as pleasant gifts.
Performances with the stars
The winner and prizewinners of the competition will be able to realize a joint creative project based on their work with the participation of Yulia Solomonova, Alexander Drouz and other star jury members and friends of the competition.
Support of publications
Publication of the best works in the publications of the competition partners and on the organizer's website. Recommendations of the best works to leading publishers. Certificate of participation for all authors who have submitted their works.
Valuable prizes and gifts
Julia Solomonova's merchandise and books
Concert tickets
Surprise gifts from the organizers
Concert tickets
Surprise gifts from the organizers
Key dates of the international inclusive poetry competition "Voices Without Borders"
Acceptance of applications and works
Applications and works will be accepted from October 1 to November 15, 2025
Work of Jury
Competition experts will evaluate submitted works from November 25 to 30, 2025
Award ceremony for the competition winners
Online awards ceremony and winners' concert – December 15, 2025
Partners of the International inclusive poetry competition
"Voices Without Borders"
Adam's Space Solutions, supported living for children and adults with special needs https://adamsspace.org/en
NGO FORA - help to emigrant families with personal needs https://ngo-fora.com/
International Charity Fund "Autism: Global Initiative"
"Voices Without Borders"
Adam's Space Solutions, supported living for children and adults with special needs https://adamsspace.org/en
NGO FORA - help to emigrant families with personal needs https://ngo-fora.com/
International Charity Fund "Autism: Global Initiative"
International Inclusive Poetry Competition "Voices Without Borders"
We unite talented poets from all over the world. The competition has no age restrictions, with prizes and diplomas. Participate and show your talent! Develop your creative career with us! To participate, please send your poems to the address below:
contest@solo-contest.com
contest@solo-contest.com
Documents
Rules of the Competition
1. Competition Rules
1.1 General Provisions
Title: Humanitarian Youth Poetry Competition "Voices Without Borders"
Organizer: Adam's Space Solutions, DOO, Serbia
Objectives of the competition:
1) To create an inclusive creative platform for self-expression of children, adolescents and adults with disabilities, including people with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), through poetry.
2) To raise awareness about the topic of autism and developmental disabilities.
Competition objectives:
- Supporting the development of creative potential in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder
- Promoting the social integration of young people with special needs
- Raising public awareness of the abilities and talents of people with autism
- Creating a platform for inclusive creative dialogue
The contest is open to children and young people aged 10 to 21, including:
- Children and teenagers with autism spectrum disorders
- Neurotypical children and teenagers
- Mixed creative groups
- Younger: 10-13 years old
- Middle: 14-17 years old
- Senior: 18-21 years old
1.3 Nominations for the competition
- "A Special View" - poetic works by participants with autism spectrum disorder
- "Open Heart" - works by neurotypical participants on the topic of understanding and inclusion
- "Creative Tandem" - joint works by authors with autism spectrum disorder and neurotypical authors
- "Poetry without words" - experimental forms of poetic self-expression
- Special nominations (by decision of the jury) - for a special contribution to the development of inclusive culture
- Poetic works must be original, previously unpublished
- Scope of work: up to 36 lines
- Thematic focus: free, with a preference for topics of acceptance, diversity, overcoming barriers
- Works are accepted in text format (DOC, PDF) or alternative formats (audio, video) for participants with special needs.
- Each participant can submit a maximum of 3 works
- Works containing discriminatory material will not be accepted for participation.
1) Applications and competition works: October 1 - November 10
- Filling in the registration form on the competition website
- Uploading competition materials
- Jury work on selecting finalists
- Announcement of shortlist
- Gala concert with performances by finalists (online)
- Award ceremony for winners
- Charity auction
- Publishing a collection of finalists' works
- Holding creative meetings with winners
- Creating joint works by winners and jury members/competition partners
The jury consists of:
- Professional poets and literary critics
- Specialists working with children with autism spectrum disorder
- Representatives of public organizations supporting people with autism
- Winners of previous similar competitions
1.7 Criteria for evaluating works
- Artistic value of the work (originality, visuality) – 10 points
- Performance technique (compliance with literary standards, taking into account the author's characteristics) – 10 points
- Emotional impact – 10 points
- Depth of disclosure of the topic – 10 points
- Compliance with the goals and objectives of the competition – 10 points
1.8 Awarding of prizes to winners
- Diplomas for winners and laureates in each nomination and age category
- Publication in the collection "Voices without Borders"
- Cash prizes for winners (from the sponsorship fund)
- Special prizes from competition partners
- Mentoring support from famous poets for talent development
- Organizers' funds
- Sponsorship support
- Revenues from ticket sales for the gala concert
- Revenues from collection sales
Photo courtesy of Daniel X. O'Neil / flickr.com
Все фотографии, тексты и видеоматериалы принадлежат их владельцам и использованы для демонстрации. Пожалуйста, не используйте контент шаблона в коммерческих целях.
