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"Change Your Climate, Change Our World"
Second Annual ExchangesConnect Video Contest to Amplify U.S. Public Diplomacy
Background:
The contest is a call to action for global citizens around the world to engage in cross-cultural community building and mutual understanding. The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) of the U.S. Department of State launched ExchangesConnect social network in October 2008 and it has attracted over 14,000 members.
Categories for Entry:
The general public is invited to submit videos of two minutes or less. Videos will be submitted and judged in two age group categories: 14-17 years or 18 years and over (ages at time of submission). Videos may contain any form of artistic expression (e.g., song, dance, skit). Initially, the general public worldwide will be invited to vote for their favorite video contest submissions on ECA's social networking Website.
Judging:
The 40 videos receiving the most public support will be sent to a blue ribbon panel of alumni from ECA's international exchange programs to be ranked. Four grand prize winners will receive global recognition of their videos and be eligible to participate in an ECA-funded, approximately two-week international exchange program. Winners must have a valid passport by the time of travel; prizes are contingent on visa eligibility and issuance.
The Contest is open to the general public worldwide and is open for submissions from November 17, 2009 to January 12, 2009. Employees and contractors of the U.S. Government, and their immediate family members (spouse, parent, child, sibling and spouse or "step" of each) and those living in the same household, are not eligible to enter the Contest.
How to Apply:
First, start filming! Full contest Details and Rules are now available through ExchangesConnect. Submissions can be e-mailed to Jennelle Root at jroot@sister-cities.org. Sister Cities International will also make submitted videos available on the Sister Cities International website. Once technical specifications are met, Cities International staff will work with local programs on formal submissions to the Department of State. Note: Sister Cities International is not judging or evaluating the video for content or competitiveness — we are playing an intermediary to assure all sister city programs that are interested in submitting meet all the requirements.
Questions:
Jennelle Root, Special Programs Manager at jroot@sister-cities.org or 202-347-8630 ext4003.
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