Submissions

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Submission Preparation Checklist

As part of the submission process, authors are required to check off their submission's compliance with all of the following items, and submissions may be returned to authors that do not adhere to these guidelines.
  • The submission has not been previously published, nor is it before another journal for consideration (or an explanation has been provided in Comments to the Editor).
  • The submission file is in OpenOffice, Microsoft Word, or RTF document file format.
  • Where available, URLs for the references have been provided.
  • The text is single-spaced; uses a 12-point font; employs italics, rather than underlining (except with URL addresses); and all illustrations, figures, and tables are placed within the text at the appropriate points, rather than at the end.
  • The text adheres to the stylistic and bibliographic requirements outlined in the Author Guidelines.

Author Guidelines

We welcome original, unpublished work that aligns with our mission to center lived experience and grassroots knowledge.

We Accept:

  • Written: Essays, reports, academic articles, creative writing
  • Multimedia: Video submissions, spoken word, photo essays
  • Co-authored or youth-led pieces encouraged

Formatting Requirements:

  • Written: APA 7 or narrative storytelling style
  • Max Length: 3,500 words (exceptions granted for special features)
  • Formats: PDF, DOCX for text; MP4 or Vimeo/YouTube links for media

Review Process:

JSJA uses a community-based peer review model. Every submission is reviewed by both academic and practitioner editors and will receive collaborative, affirming feedback. Accepted work may be lightly edited for clarity and consistency.

Submissions & Support:

submissions@thejsja.org

Sections

  1. Articles

    We welcome bold, original, and unapologetic work rooted in lived experience, research, or resistance. You don’t need to have a PhD to publish here — just truth, clarity, and heart.

    Acceptable Submissions:

    • Autoethnographies (first-person narratives)
    • Community-based or action research
    • Poetry, visual essays, spoken word transcripts
    • Multimedia narratives (with a written component)

    Formatting Requirements:

    • Word Count: 1,500–3,500 words (flexible for creative submissions)
    • File Format: DOCX or PDF for written work; MP4 or Vimeo link for media
    • Citations: APA 7 if applicable
    • Submission must be original, unpublished work

    Include a short bio (100–150 words) and a headshot or image to accompany your piece.

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