Project 2nd Shift Writing Contest

Your Voice. Your Story. Our Legacy.

We’re inviting Peace Officers, Correctional Supervisors, Correctional Specialists, and their families to share personal reflections, lessons learned, and moments that matter. Whether it’s a story of resilience, a tribute to a mentor, or a snapshot of life behind the badge, your voice belongs here.

What to Submit: Craft an original piece that offers practical tips, personal hacks, or lived experiences that help others thrive in the Corrections field. Whether it’s a wellness strategy, a shift survival technique, or a story of resilience, your insight matters.

Submission Guidelines:

Content must align with the spirit of Project 2nd Shift and promote Officer Wellness. Entries including hate speech, threats, forms of harassment or promotion of illegal activities will be rejected.
By submitting an entry, participants grant Project 2nd Shift the non-exclusive right to publish, reproduce, and distribute their work in print and digital formats.
Once submitted, copyright transfers to Project 2nd Shift. Submissions cannot be published elsewhere.
We reserve the right to correct grammar and spelling for clarity and consistency. Project 2nd Shift may decline entries that do not align with the contest’s values of respect, resilience, and community.
Project 2nd Shift is not responsible for lost submissions, technical malfunctions or events beyond our control.

New: Experience Matters
We now ask each submitter to include their years of experience in the field. Why? Because your service isn’t just a number—it’s the backbone of this project.
That’s not just a tagline. It’s a testament to the depth, grit, and wisdom behind every submission.

Looking Ahead:

As this project grows, there is hope to publish a printed collection of selected submissions—something tangible that honors your service and supports fellow officers. Whether it’s a book, booklet, or field-ready guide, our goal is to create a resource that reflects the strength, heart, and lived experience of the law enforcement community.

In an email to Project2ndshift@yahoo.com share your story. Please include:

Your name (or pseudonym)
Your role or relationship to law enforcement
Years of experience in the field
Your written piece (500–1,000 words recommended)

Recognition & Rewards:

Winning entries will be selected each month and have their submission posted on the blog website.
Winners selected each month will receive a Project 2nd Shift Letter of appreciation as well as a Project 2nd Shift wellness bundle containing wellness items of our choosing. Prizes will be mailed to the address provided in the email included in the submission. However, the true prize here is knowing that you will have helped other officers across the country.
Please include your first name, state of employment, and a mailing address with your submission if you would like to be entered into the Project 2nd Shift writing contest. This information will not be shared.
Published entries will feature your first name or rank and state and years of experience e.g., Mike from Texas, 12 years experience or if prefered: Officer, California – 10 years experience), unless you request to remain anonymous. A Pseudonym is allowed if preferred.
Project 2nd Shift reserves the right to modify, postpone, or cancel the contest at any time, for any reason, including but not limited to unforeseen circumstances, technical issues, or lack of participation
This contest is for recognition and community-building purposes. No monetary prizes will be awarded
Project 2nd Shift and its affiliates are not responsible for any claims, damages, or losses resulting from participation in this contest

What Happens Next

Selected entries may be featured on the blog and considered for inclusion in a future printed collection. By submitting, you agree that your story and years of experience may be referenced anonymously or in aggregate in future publications or promotional materials.

By submitting, you agree that your story and years of experience may be referenced anonymously or in aggregate in future publications or promotional materials designed to support and uplift officers.

Let your story be the shift that helps someone else thrive.

Where to Send Your Submission – Email your writing to: Project2ndshift@yahoo.com