We are calling for contributors to “In Their Words,” a powerful and urgently needed book on the topic of mental health in the military and veteran community. This edited volume will focus on the lived experience and critical insight of those who possess more knowledge on the topic of military and veteran mental health than anyone – the servicemembers, veterans, military families and survivors themselves. We are seeking authors (or co-authors) from any background to contribute chapters and special sections. Authors are encouraged to take the gloves off - the structure, language, purpose, objectives, medium and message you want to pursue is up to you. Authors may submit anything from traditional research papers or essay-style writings, to poetry, prose, short story and visual art (with written description), or other forms of expression. Topics can include PTSD, suicide, prevention, moral injury, depression, substance use, organizational culture, law and policy, cultural and historical perspectives, other topics/themes.
The point of “In Their Words” is for members of the military and veteran community to be able to speak about the realities of mental health from their own unique (and in many ways common) experiences and perspectives, unrestrained. What needs to be talked about, and what isn’t talked about? What does our country, our military and civilian leadership, and our military and veteran community need to know or put on center stage regarding mental health? How do we take action, and how would that action reflect the realities servicemembers and veterans face? This book will share and uphold the military and veteran communities' perspective and priorities nationally and across many audiences, from the general public, elected and appointed officials, military leadership and professional communities, to religious leaders, journalists, and current students and future professionals.
We are taking proposals between Feb. 21 and May 1, 2023 (2-week response time). Submit proposals or questions/comments to Seth Allard, sallard@wayne.edu, and Andy Denbow, Gv0190@wayne.edu, subject line "In Their Words Submission Proposal." Include: Name; Brief bio, including military service/status; Topic(s) covered; 3 – 5 sentence summary of your proposed submission; Type/style of submission (research paper, essay, poetry/prose, visual art w/description, short story, etc.); Estimated length (including references/images; limit of 20 pages 1.5 spaced, 12 font).