Austin, Texas ? To gather “voces authenticas” (authentic voices) from all over the U.S., Latinitas magazine is launching the Latinitas Magazine National Writing Contest, seeking feedback from Latina youths ages 14-21 on “What it is to be Latina.” Winning writers will see their articles published in the print and online issues of Latinitas magazine.

Contest criteria: Submissions should be 800-1,000 words in first person or Associated Press style on one of these subjects:

¢ What is it like to be a Hispanic/Latina female in your hometown?

¢ What does it mean to be a Hispanic/Latina female to you?

¢ As a Hispanic/Latina female, are you doing something in your community to make a difference? If so, what?

¢ Describe the biggest challenge facing the young Hispanic/Latinas today.

Applicants should submit articles to latinitasawards@yahoo.com by midnight Jan. 10, 2008, or mail a copy to Latinitas, P.O. Box 4284, Austin TX 78765.