Also see our photo challenge

Theme

The theme of the 2012 AmeriCorps video contest is “AmeriCorps Works.”   This theme communicates the value and effectiveness of AmeriCorps while providing flexibility to be used in many different contexts.  It provides an overarching framework to communicate AmeriCorps triple bottom line return on investment -- for the recipients of service, the people who serve, and the larger community and nation.  For example:

AmeriCorps Works…

• To meet pressing community needs
• To expand economic and educational opportunity for those who serve
• To make our communities safer, stronger, and healthier
• To improve the lives of vulnerable Americans
• To build the next generation of nonprofit leaders 
• To develop innovative community solutions
• To mobilize volunteers and resources to strengthen America’s voluntary sector

AmeriCorps Works in many different ways.  However you choose to make your video, be sure to shows how AmeriCorps Works!

Content:

Join us in inspiring and educating the general public about the benefits of and opportunities in the AmeriCorps program. Create a compelling AmeriCorps video that that tells a compelling, impactful story about how AmeriCorps Works and the effect AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps projects have on local communities and the nation in issue areas such as:

• Disaster Services
• Economic Opportunity
• Education
• Environmental Stewardship
• Healthy Futures
• Veterans and Military Families

Videos can be up to 60 seconds in length and may be used in future recruitment efforts for AmeriCorps.

There are some legal limits on what you are able to do and we will not post videos that are inappropriate or offensive. Other than that, what you put in your video to show AmeriCorps "works" is up to you (live action, animation, etc).

We're looking for bold, creative, and exciting videos to help educate the public about AmeriCorps and inspire them to join!

Video Contest Guidelines

Summary:

Please review the following to guide you when making your submissions.

• Theme
• Content
• Evaluation Criteria
• Judging Process
• Eligibility
• Length
• Submission Period March 10, 2012 - July 15, 2012

Contest Guidelines:

Please use the following information to guide you when making your submission. For more complete information on eligibility requirements, please see the official rules. Participants are encouraged to learn more about AmeriCorps at www.AmeriCorps.gov.

Theme

The theme of the 2012 AmeriCorps video contest is “AmeriCorps Works.”  This theme communicates the value and effectiveness of AmeriCorps while providing the flexibility to be used in many different contexts.  It provides an overarching framework to communicate AmeriCorps triple bottom line return on investment -- for the recipients of service, the people who serve, and the larger community and nation.  For example:

AmeriCorps Works…

• To meet pressing community needs
• To expand economic and educational opportunity for those who serve
• To make our communities safer, stronger, and healthier
• To improve the lives of vulnerable Americans
• To build the next generation of nonprofit leaders 
• To develop innovative community solutions
• To mobilize volunteers and resources to strengthen America’s voluntary sector

AmeriCorps Works in many different ways.  However you choose to make your video, be sure to shows how AmeriCorps Works!

Content:

Join us in inspiring and educating the general public about the benefits of and opportunities in the AmeriCorps program. Create a compelling AmeriCorps video that that tells a compelling, impactful story about how AmeriCorps Works and the effect AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps projects have on local communities and the nation in issue areas such as:

• Disaster Services
• Economic Opportunity
• Education
• Environmental Stewardship
• Healthy Futures
• Veterans and Military Families

Videos can be up to 60 seconds in length and may be used in future recruitment efforts for AmeriCorps.

There are some legal limits (see the rules) on what you are able to do and we will not post videos that are inappropriate or offensive. Other than that, what you put in your video to show AmeriCorps "works" is up to you (live action, animation, etc).

We're looking for bold, creative, and exciting videos to help educate the public about AmeriCorps and inspire them to join!

Evaluation Criteria:

Videos will be judged by the following criteria:

1. Overall Impact (educational, inspiring, persuasive)
2. Creativity
3. Memorable Content and Delivery
4. Clear Message about how AmeriCorps Works
5. Alignment with Mission and Goals of AmeriCorps

Judging Process:

A panel of contest judges consisting of Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) staff will review the videos using the above evaluation criteria.  The panel will then select the finalists.

The finalists' videos will then be available for voting by the general public through the Challenge.gov website until September 1, 2012.  Public voting will determine the grand prize and runner-up recipients.

Who Can Participate?:

This contest is only open to any current AmeriCorps member or any former AmeriCorps member who has successfully completed his or her term of service. The AmeriCorps member or alumni submitting a video may work individually or as a team with others who are not members or alumni, but the official entry must be submitted by an individual who is a current AmeriCorps member or alumni. Employees, officers, Board members, contractors, and consultants of CNCS, companies awarding prizes, or their immediate family members, are ineligible to participate in the contest. "Immediate family members" means spouse, parents, step-parents, legal guardians, children, step-children, siblings and step-siblings, and each of their respective spouses.

Format and Length:

Videos must be 60 seconds or less in duration. Submissions will be accepted through electronic upload at YouTube with a link and description posted here at Challenge.gov.

Submissions and Deadlines:

Submissions will be accepted from March 10 through July 15, 2012 at 5:00 PM, EDT.

Respect for Existing Copyright:

You must be the original author of everything in your video or have permission to use copyright protected material. Be creative, but think carefully about what you put into the video. If you are considering using existing music, video clips, photos, etc., it is very likely that someone else owns a copyright to that material. In this case, be sure to obtain the copyright owner's written permission before using the material in your video.

Consent from Participants in Your Video:

Winning participants must declare that they have written consent from people featured or identified in their video. Please Note: consent requirements may vary from state to state and each participant is responsible for complying with state consent requirements.

• Please see Rules
  A panel will determine which submissions move forward to public voting based on how effectively they address the criteria in the rules.