Sure. Once you have an idea, start gathering your information (this can include your own and other people’s experiences and thoughts) and submit it to us (see the last question, below).

We will then get in touch about any suggested changes to the idea, and then you can begin writing your story.

CAGE stories have a basic structure and are broadly of three types:

  • A narrative story: This is when the story follows a chronology or records events in the order that they happened, as if someone (you) is sitting at a cafe telling another person (the readers) the story. It can be written in the first person.
  • An opinion piece: you can write this if you are an authority on something – but this doesn’t mean you need to  be especially academically qualified; undergoing an experience that is relevant and meaningful to the topic, will render you an authority in our eyes.
    An opinion piece will feature your opinion, then explain why you feel this way, and present the evidence you have to support it. Then you should deal with your detractors or any counterarguments, and then conclude by reiterating your opinion.
  • A trend/analysis piece (these are a bit trickier, but quite effective): When a story looks at and proves a trend in society. It generally has three parts:
  1. Acknowledges the trend with a case study presented eg. increased surveillance in primary schools presenting the real situation of a ten-year-old questioned by PREVENT
  2. Why the trend is happening and what the effect is on the person and community, with examples eg. PREVENT duty is compulsory. This results in trauma to children and families, giving examples from the ten-year-old’s case, quotes from authority figures, and research (you can use our reports).
  3. Solutions: calls for an end to the policy, unified activism and
    so on (these broadly should fall in line with CAGE objectives)

Note: This last type of article may be subject to more edits than other pieces so that they remain in line with CAGE’s positions. 

(NOTE: CAGE represents cases of individuals based on the remit of our work. Supporting a case does not mean we agree with the views or actions of the individual. Content published on CAGE may not reflect the official position of our organisation.)