United Planet Day Contest
Information about submitting writing, photography, or videoTo celebrate United Planet Day, we hold a contest every year to seek written and visual submissions that exemplify our mission from all world community members and friends. The deadline is on the equinox: September 23, 2011.
How to Enter:
- Email marketing@unitedplanet.org with the Subject: UP Day Contest Your Name
- Following the guidelines below, attach your media and submit.
If you have questions, please email us. Download an entry form if you like. Read more about United Planet Day.
United Planet reserves the right to use any submitted materials for promotional purposes.
Submissions are due by United Planet Day, September 23, 2011.
Media Categories
There will be winners for each category of the contest:
- Writing
- Photography
- Video
All entries should aim to illustrate the ideas of cross-cultural understanding, friendship, and supporting one another in their own community or abroad.
Prizes
One winner will be chosen from each of the three categories. One grand prize winner will be chosen from these three.
The grand prize is a choice of either one United Planet Volunteer Abroad Quest for up to two weeks to selected short-term locations around the world (valued up to $2000; airfare not included); or $300.
The other two category winners will receive $100 each.
The winning pieces will also be published on United Planet's website and in an upcoming newsletter.
Some Guidelines
Contestants may enter any or all of the three portions of the contest. Each contestant may enter one submission for the written portion, one for the video portion, and up to five for the photo portion. (United Planet reserves the right to collapse the photo and video portions of the contest into one portion if target submission goal is not met in either of the categories).
Written Portion
The maximum length for a written submission is 2500 words. Examples include any fiction, creative non-fiction, or poetry piece inspired by volunteer work, community service, travel experiences, or other personal interactions that deal with the subject of intercommunication and friendship.
At the end of your written submission, please give a brief description about yourself. Include your full name, full address, telephone number, and email address in the top right hand corner of your submission.
Photo Portion and Video Portion
In addition to the photo or video, the contestant should include a brief description of the photo or video and what the experience means to them. Please be sure to include the following information:
- The city and country where the photo or video was taken.
- The best estimates of the date (month and year) when the photo or video was taken.
- What is taking place in the photo or video?
- Any applicable historical/cultural context.
While the submissions will not be judged based on the description, the explanation should offer enough information to capture the essence of the photo or video for other viewers to understand. This should be approximately 1-2 paragraphs long.
Photos must be in the jpeg format and be at least 440 pixels wide in order to guarantee the highest quality in its display on our website.
Language
Submissions may be made in any language as long as the English translation is provided with it.
Thank you and good luck!
United Planet Day Contest: Winners in 2010
United Planet was delighted to received many worthy submissions in 2010. After much deliberation, we chose the winners.
- Teijna Pickrell of British Coumbia won the writing contest for her piece Breaking the Wall.
- The grand prize went to Sourav Karmakar, of Calcutta, India, with his photograph 'Give Me Red.'
- The honorable mention in the photography and video category went to Melissa Malfavon, of Wisconsin.
- And one of our favorites:
