UPDATED: November 22, 2025
Poetry has always been a powerful tool for activism and awareness, and many literary magazines actively seek work that engages with current events. Below you’ll find a curated selection of literary magazines and journals that welcome poetry on timely topics. Each publication has its own unique focus—some center on war and geopolitical violence, others on equity, freedom, and cultural discourse. Many of these outlets are passionate about amplifying voices that challenge injustice and celebrate progress, making them excellent homes for socially engaged writing.
I’ve organized the list alphabetically for easy browsing and included helpful notes on payment, submission windows, and thematic preferences. Most of these journals do not charge submission fees (though a few may require small donations or have fees for contests), and all accept electronic submissions. Whether you’re writing about political upheaval, environmental crises, or the human stories behind the headlines, these markets offer opportunities to share your work with readers who care deeply about the intersection of art and action.
Consequence Forum
- Focus: War, geopolitical violence, and their consequences.
- Payment: Yes (rates vary by genre).
- Submission Windows:
- Spring: January 15 – April 15
- Fall: July 15 – October 15
- Tips: All submissions must address the consequences of war or geopolitical violence. Read past issues for tone and thematic depth.
Dissident Voice
- Focus: Social justice and peace; Poems on Sunday series.
- Payment: No.
- Submission Windows: Rolling.
- Tips: Submit poems that challenge injustice and promote peace. Check recent “Poems on Sunday” posts for style.
Guernica
- Focus: Global arts and politics.
- Payment: Yes (varies by piece).
- Submission Windows: Rolling.
- Tips: Poetry should engage with cultural or political themes. Strong preference for global perspectives.
Lacuna Magazine
- Focus: Human rights, migration, inequality.
- Payment: No.
- Submission Windows: Rolling.
- Tips: Poetry should bridge journalism and analysis—timely yet reflective.
Mobius: The Journal of Social Change
- Focus: Social change themes.
- Payment: No.
- Submission Windows: Rolling.
- Tips: Submit poems that explore activism, equity, and transformation.
Only Poems: Poets Howl series
- Focus: News-driven poetry (Poets Howl series).
- Payment: Yes ($22 per accepted poem).
- Submission Windows: Rolling.
- Tips: Respond to something in the news from the last month. The fresher the topic, the better.
New Verse News
- Focus: Current events and political issues.
- Payment: No.
- Submission Windows: Rolling.
- Tips: No simultaneous submissions. Keep poems timely and relevant to breaking news.
Rat’s Ass Review
- Focus: Broad themes, often irreverent.
- Payment: No.
- Submission Windows:
- Spring-Summer Issue: January 1 – February 1
- Fall-Winter Issue: July 1 – August 1
- Tips: Edgy, bold work stands out. Read past issues for tone.
Second Coming
- Focus: Pro-democracy poetry.
- Payment: No (requires $1 donation to submit).
- Submission Windows: Rolling.
- Tips: Ideal for politically charged, activist poetry.
The Rumpus
- Focus: Poetry, essays, cultural commentary.
- Payment: Yes ($50 per poem).
- Submission Windows: Rolling.
- Tips: Submit polished, socially engaged work. Check their poetry section for style.
Writer’s Resist
- Focus: Equity, freedom, justice, and environmental health.
- Payment: Yes ($10 per accepted piece).
- Submission Windows: Closed in July and December.
- Tips: Mission-driven poetry that challenges injustice and celebrates progress. Humor and hope are welcome.
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