[Closed] Speak Up, Act Now: The Global Youth Video Contest (Deadline Extended)

📢 International Contest Announcement 📢

Calling all students with a passion for creating positive change in their communities and beyond! We are excited to announce our video contest, organized by Global Emerging Leaders, aimed at fostering critical thinking and inspiring young minds to tackle important social issues.

Contest Theme: Addressing Social Issues with my UNIQUE VOICE

🌍 My World, My Responsibility 🌍

Now, more than ever, the world demands young leaders like you to rise and address the critical challenges we face. Social issues such as climate change, racial and gender inequality, educational disparities, poverty, mental health, and technological ethics call for innovative, adaptable, and feasible solutions—and the voice of the youth is more important than ever in driving change.

That’s why we’re inviting you to create a video. In today’s interconnected world, media is one of the most powerful tools to spread information, spark conversations, and inspire action. This contest is not just about presenting your ideas; it’s about learning to communicate them effectively, using your unique voice to engage and influence others. By honing your skills in crafting impactful video messages, you are preparing to make a real difference in the world. Together, let’s use the power of media to address the issues that matter most and create a brighter future.

In these unprecedented times, as we witness both incredible progress and daunting setbacks, we firmly believe that the youth holds the key to unlocking a better world. Your unique perspectives, boundless energy, and fresh insights are precisely what is required to tackle the complex issues that shape our societies.

This contest is not just about creating videos; it's about empowering you to be catalysts for progress. It's about fostering critical thinking, encouraging empathy, and inspiring action. Your voice, expressed through video, has the potential to resonate beyond screens, to ignite conversations, and to inspire countless others to join hands in making a positive impact.

So, seize this opportunity to make your voice heard, to share your aspirations, and to present your unique solutions to the social issues that matter most to you through the power of video!

⭐️ Contest Details ⭐️

The GEL's International Video Contest challenges students to create an original and compelling video that demonstrates an understanding of a social issue and their responsibilities toward addressing it. In your video, we want you to focus on a social issue that holds personal significance to you. We believe that understanding the state of the issue, its underlying causes, and the efforts made to address it are crucial steps towards finding effective solutions. Reflecting on your personal experiences and beliefs, how can you, as an individual and/or as a group, make a significant impact in society by addressing a social issue that is close to your heart?

Your video should:

1️⃣ Describe the state of the issue: Shed light on the current state of the social issue you have chosen. Clearly explain why this issue is important and how it impacts individuals and communities. Use relevant data, statistics, visuals, and examples to provide a comprehensive understanding of the problem. Be sure to cite or name your sources where applicable.

2️⃣ Why is this issue important to you? Share your personal connection to the chosen issue. Explain what inspired you to select this particular topic. Feel free to draw from personal experiences, observations, beliefs, values, or encounters that have shaped your perspective. Let your voice tell the story, as your personal connection adds authenticity and depth to your video.

3️⃣ Propose your solution: This is where your creativity, problem-solving skills, and ability to communicate effectively through video come into play. Imagine yourself in a position to address the issue. Present your unique ideas and strategies for effectively tackling the problem at hand. While we encourage you to focus on one possible solution, you may choose up to three. Remember, the key to a strong solution is feasibility and detailed planning.

We will be looking for solutions that are realistic, actionable, and well-explained. Consider what you, as an individual or team, can actually "do" to make a difference. Your solution could involve raising awareness, advocating, organizing an event or group, making policy recommendations, starting a petition or march, creating an app, educating others, or any other practical action. Show us how you plan to engage in your solution and the positive contribution it could make.

Creativity Matters! How can you make your video stand out?

Your video should showcase your unique perspective and ideas through innovative storytelling and visuals. The audio must include your original voice, and how creatively you get your message across will be a significant part of the assessment. Use visuals to enhance your message, but remember that your personal connection and original ideas are what truly make your entry stand out.

There is no single path to change; every idea, big or small, holds immense potential to transform lives and communities. Your genuine connection to the chosen social issue matters, and we celebrate the diversity of perspectives that shape our world. Embrace your uniqueness, share your voice, and inspire us all with your ideas for a better future through the power of video!

To participate in the contest, please follow these guidelines:

1. Eligibility: The contest is open to all high school students around the world.

2. Video Format: Failure to meet the requirements below will result in disqualification.

   1. Max 3 minutes, minimum 1 minute

   2. Do not add background music.

   3. No need for fancy editing, animations, effects, etc. We’re looking for quality of the pitch and content, not your video editing skills.

   4. Audio should include original voice

   5. MP4 format / or link to your video from your drive or youtube

3. Original Work: Videos must be the original work of the student.

4. Submission: Click on the "Apply Here" button towards the bottom of the page and submit your form.

5. Deadline: Submissions must be received no later than February 15th, 2025 11:59pm (U.S. Pacific Time). Late submissions will not be considered.

   
   

🏆 Evaluation Criteria 🏆

Our panel of esteemed judges will carefully assess each video to select the winners of this contest. To ensure a fair and thorough evaluation, the following criteria will be considered:

1. Originality and Creativity: We value fresh perspectives and innovative ideas that demonstrate original thinking. Show us your unique approach to the social issue and how your proposed solution will be impactful.

2. Clarity and Coherence: Clearly present your thoughts and arguments in a well-structured manner. Your essay should flow logically, making it easy for the reader to follow your line of reasoning.

3. Depth of Analysis: Dig deep into the state of the chosen social issue. Use relevant evidence, data, and examples to support your insights, showcasing a comprehensive understanding of the problem.

4. Personal Connection: Demonstrate a genuine connection to the issue you've chosen. Share your personal experiences, emotions, or encounters that have influenced your decision to address this particular social problem.

5. Feasibility of Solutions: Consider the practicality and viability of your proposed solutions. How realistic are your ideas? Show us that you've thought through the potential challenges and how you can overcome them.

6. Impact Potential: Articulate the potential impact of your proposed actions. How would your efforts create meaningful change and inspire others to join your cause?

7. Presentation: Showcase your presentation skills and ability to convey ideas effectively. Engaging and compelling storytelling will leave a lasting impression on the judges.

8. Relevance to Contest Theme: Ensure your video directly addresses the contest theme of empowering individuals to address social issues. Stay focused on the prompt and avoid tangents that detract from your main message.

   
   

Educational experts will meticulously evaluate each video based on these criteria, and the winners will be selected based on the merit of their submissions.

🏆 Contest Prizes 🏆

The top three winners of this contest will be announced and listed on our website to celebrate their accomplishments. Winners will also be notified by email. A Certificate of Achievement will be given to the winners.

Additionally, we will also award honorary mentions to participants who demonstrate exceptional creativity, insight, and potential impact.

📅 Important Dates and Submission Guidelines 📅

Video submission opens: January 15th, 2025 (U.S. Pacific Time)

Video submission deadline: February 22nd, 2025 11:59pm (U.S. Pacific Time) **Deadline has been extended from February 15th to February 22nd

Winners announcement: March 1st, 2025 (U.S. Pacific Time)

Apply Here

We eagerly await your insightful videos and innovative solutions to address the social issues that matter most to you! Your ideas have the power to create meaningful change and inspire others to take action. Best of luck to all the participants!

For any further inquiries or clarification, please feel free to contact us at info.gelnpo@gmail.com.

Together, let's ignite a wave of positive transformation in society!