A curated participation experience for independent thinkers.
Independent Minds hosts monthly, skill-based participation events focused on clarity, originality, and depth of thought.Participants submit original written work for review through a structured evaluation process. Submissions are assessed using published criteria by an independent review panel.In select cases, Independent Minds may choose to recognize outstanding participants through discretionary financial awards or other forms of acknowledgment.Participation is limited to maintain quality and seriousness.
Review the monthly prompt, eligibility requirements, and Official Rules.
Purchase access to participate.
After payment, you will be redirected to the official submission form.
Submit your work during the submission window.
Submissions are reviewed and evaluated using a published rubric.
Selected participants may be recognized at Independent Minds’ discretion.
Participation does not guarantee recognition or financial support.
Participation access: $25
Participation cap: 300 participants
Submission deadline: January 23, 2026
Review period concludes: January 30, 2026
Independent Minds may, at its sole discretion, provide financial recognition of up to $10,000 to one or more selected participants based on subjective evaluation.Recognition is discretionary and not guaranteed.
Prompt:
Describe a belief you changed your mind about — and what actually caused the change.
Submission requirements:
Original work only
Maximum 1,000 words
One submission per participant
No plagiarism or AI-generated content
Must comply with the Official Rules
Submissions are evaluated using the following rubric (100 points total):
Originality (40 points)
Clarity (30 points)
Depth of Thought (30 points)
All evaluations are subjective and editorial in nature.
In the event of close scores, final determinations are made by panel review.
Participation access is processed securely through Square.
After payment, you will be redirected to the official submission form.
You must use the same email address for payment and submission.
Submissions that cannot be verified may be excluded from review.
Independent Minds is an independently run project focused on identifying and supporting original thinking.We value clarity over credentials, insight over conformity, and independent reasoning over consensus. Our events are intentionally small, transparent, and criteria-driven.There are no sponsors, no outside investors, and no hidden agendas. Each participation event is funded directly through participation access and reviewed using published standards.If this resonates, you are likely in the right place.
Independent Minds is a paid participation platform. Participation does not guarantee recognition, selection, or financial support. Independent Minds is not a lottery, raffle, or game of chance. All decisions are subjective and editorial. Void where prohibited. By participating, you agree to the Official Rules, Terms of Service, and Privacy Policy. Independent Minds does not provide legal, tax, or financial advice.© Independent Minds. All rights reserved.