What is Channel Kindness: 
Channel Kindness is a digital platform launched by Born This Way Foundation with the purpose of empowering young people to create a kinder and braver world. Through the power of storytelling, we hope to inspire our audience to spread kindness, encourage acceptance, and elevate the stories of good that happen in our communities each day. The Channel Kindness program furthers BTWF’s mission of supporting the mental health and wellbeing of young people and to work with young people to create a kinder and braver world.

How will I know if my submission is accepted for publication?
We receive a large volume of submissions, and we appreciate all of them! However, we’re unfortunately not able to respond to every submission. If we choose to move forward with publishing your piece, we will send you an email from [email protected]. 

What happens if my story is chosen for publication?
Our team will reach out to you via email and relay next steps, including our feedback about your piece and a timeline for publication. You’ll also receive an agreement with key terms and any payment clearly defined.

What is the editing process like?
Because Channel Kindness is a platform with multiple mediums, it’s different for every story, but the process is collaborative. We want to emphasize that your story doesn’t need to be perfect, and we’ll work with you to get it in the best shape it can be! In return, we expect you to kindly collaborate with us and to receive feedback respectfully. 

Will I get to see the edited draft before publication?
We will do our best to provide an edited draft before publication for a final review. We’ll appropriately credit you and other contributors as noted in your submission. 

Can I submit a story that’s already been published elsewhere?
We’re excited to hold original content on Channel Kindness, and unfortunately can’t accept stories that have been published elsewhere.

Can I submit a story anonymously?
The safety of our contributors is our number one priority. Please contact our team at [email protected] if you feel as though your story would best be published anonymously for safety reasons. 

Can I submit multiple stories?
Absolutely! We want to highlight as many contributors as possible, but because we want to feature as many contributors as possible, we may push your story to the next publishing cycle!  

If I was part of the Advisory Board, can I still create stories and get paid?
If you served as an Advisory Board Member in the past, you can absolutely submit to us. However, you will not be paid for your submissions if you are a current Advisory Board member or Born This Way Foundation staff member as you already receive compensation from Born This Way Foundation.

Will I get paid for any stories I created in the past?
We will only pay people who contribute to Channel Kindness starting Monday, January 22nd of 2024 and beyond. If you’ve contributed to us in the past, we encourage you to contribute again! 

How much will I get paid?
Channel Kindness contributors are eligible for a payment of $50 USD in the event their piece is selected for publication, with a maximum of eight $50 USD payments per contributor per year.

When will I get paid?
Following receipt of the contributor’s required information, e-payments are usually received within 2–4 business days and checks can take 10 business days or more to be delivered.  

Can I make a submission if I am located outside of the US?
Yes! We welcome international submissions as well! 

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this FAQ Guide or other submission guides or forms, in no event shall Born This Way Foundation perform (or be expected to perform) any actions which jeopardize, or could reasonably be expected to jeopardize, as determined in Born This Way Foundation’s sole discretion, Born This Way Foundation’s United States federal tax exempt status under Section 501(a) of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (or under any other similar provisions of law) or Born This Way Foundation’s status as a California public benefit corporation.