The Sidney Prize and the Neilma Sidney Short Story Prize

The Sidney prize is an award given monthly to outstanding journalism that promotes social and economic justice. It is sponsored by the Hillman Foundation, a private foundation established to honor the vision of the late president of the Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America, who tirelessly worked for a better America and a progressive industrial democracy.

NAS President Peter Wood was delighted to see his May 4 Weekly Standard cover story on the long-term harms of hookup culture make the cut in David Brooks’ “The 2015 Sidney Awards, Part 2.” The column featured an excellent roundup of the year’s best long-form essays — many written by writers who are also prominent voices at top-tier national publications, such as Hilton Als writing for The New Yorker and Ed Yong writing for The Atlantic.

As the world continues to become more fragmented and polarized, it’s more important than ever for thoughtful, engaged citizens to engage in civil debate about our common interests and values. That’s why we’re proud to support the New York Times Foundation’s annual “Best of the Web” contest, which encourages online commentators and bloggers to find the most interesting articles and commentary on politics, economics, and society from the previous month and share them with their friends and followers. The contest is open to anyone in the United States, and entries are due by the end of each month.

Each prize winner will receive a mesmeric swirl award designed and made by Louise Olsen and Stephen Ormandy of Dinosaur Designs. In addition, the winning writer will be invited to the Sydney Film Festival to present their work to the Awards Juries and receive a commemorative certificate. The winners will be announced on the second Wednesday of each month, and each prize will be presented at a ceremony at the Sydney Opera House.

The winner of the Neilma Sidney Short Story Prize will receive $5000 in prize money and be published at Overland, alongside two runners-up. The judges and the Malcolm Robertson Foundation would like to congratulate all the finalists for their excellent stories. All entries must be no more than 3000 words on the theme of ‘travel’. Writers are encouraged to be imaginative, creative and literary in their interpretations of the word travel. All entries must be received by the end of February. To enter, please take out a new subscription to Overland at the special subscriber rate. You will be sent a link to the submission form upon subscribing. By entering this competition, you agree to have your personal details shared with Destination NSW & W Sydney for marketing purposes. You can opt out of these communications at any time. Click here for terms and conditions.