Literary Competition: “Stories for Slowing Down”
“Stories to Slow Down” is a literary competition organized as part of Slow Down – Festival of Sustainable Rhythms by Aggiornamenti Sociali, the San Fedele Cultural Foundation, Àncora Bookshop, and the Italian Catholic Union of the Press (UCSI).
The competition invites participants to reflect on the relationship between time and contemporary life. In a society increasingly shaped by speed, we seek to gather short stories, personal testimonies, poems, and other original narratives that explore the meaning of slowing down—a choice that can create space for listening, foster more authentic relationships, and contribute to building a more inclusive and sustainable society.
Original, unpublished works should address the following theme:
Today, in a world marked by ever-accelerating rhythms, time plays a central role in human development across many dimensions: social, political, economic, environmental, and spiritual. Yet our growing “hunger for speed” risks becoming a “famine of time,” excluding those who cannot keep pace while diminishing the space for reflection and a deeper understanding of reality.
Starting from these considerations, submissions should reflect on the meaning of “slowing down” in contemporary society. How can a different experience of time help foster more authentic and inclusive relationships? Which aspects and challenges of our present world call for more sustainable rhythms and new perspectives directed toward the common good?
Entries must be submitted in PDF format by email to rallentare@aggiornamentisociali.it, together with the completed entry form.
Participation is free of charge and open to people of all ages. The three winning entries selected by the jury will receive prizes and be published on rallentare.org. Additional outstanding submissions may also be featured through the editorial channels of Aggiornamenti Sociali.
The full competition rules, information about the prizes, and the entry form are available online. Submissions must be received by 12:00 noon (CEST) on 1 September 2026.
