We're interested in stories about people who are making a positive difference all over the world, working on solutions to problems from hunger and education to the rights of people with disabilities.
The charitable work of famous individuals such as Bono and Bill and Melinda Gates is well known. But we want to highlight the contributions of ordinary people who do extraordinary things.
These profiles, approximately 1,200 words in length, should include an in-depth, in-person interview with the subject, as well as quotes from at least two "endorsers" who can vouch for how the person is "making a difference." We'll also want to learn why the individual is so passionate about his or her work as well as gain an understanding of the problem he or she is trying to solve.
To see examples of published People Making a Difference stories, visit https://www.csmonitor.com/csmlists/special/difference-maker
How to pitch and follow up
As of May 2019, this section is being handled differently. Instead of a designated editor for it, the section is being managed collectively by other Monitor editors. A list of these editors and their subject areas can be found under the "International news" and "National news" headings on the Contributor's guidelines page.
Pitches should be brief (no more than a paragraph or two) and focus on telling us why your story will interest readers around the U.S. and the world.
Payment
If you are a first-time contributor we may ask to take your article on spec. We generally pay $500 per article with the possibility of also reimbursing some modest travel expenses or other costs. Any expenses should be agreed upon ahead of time.
All pieces must be original for the Monitor. We cannot accept stories that have been published elsewhere.