The First Amendment was written to protect individual freedoms. Yet today, one-third of Americans believe it “goes too far.” Limiting our freedoms was not the intention of the founding fathers, but how can we spread awareness about the importance of the First Amendment? The answer is YOU. 

Here is an opportunity to spread the message in a PSA about why these freedoms should not be limited. It is SchoolJournalism’s sincere hope that you will not only participate in this contest, but also share your entry with your school and community. 

Do note that judges look for PSAs that not only follow the specifications as listed below, but they also are looking for a PSA that demonstrates a clear understanding of the First Amendment. 

PRIZES:

Prize sponsors include:

• the East Central College, Union, Mo., Journalism Program
• the Academy of Scholastic Broadcasting
• SchoolJournalism.org

Grand Prize will receive:

• A total of $100 in Amazon Gift Card(s) for the winner(s) to use at their discretion.
• Video Coach DVDs for use by the sponsoring teacher.
• A “swag bag” of a variety of goods that may include but is not limited to: T-shirts, office/school supplies, bags, etc.

Runner Up will receive:

• A total of $50 in Amazon Gift Card(s) for the winner(s) to use at their discretion.
• A swag bag of a variety of goods that may include but is not limited to: T-shirts, Video Coach DVDs, office/school supplies, bags, etc.

SPECIFICATIONS:

1. Students who reside in the United States may enter individually, or in teams of up to 4 people (no more than 4).
2. Students may not enter more than one PSA with their name upon the entry.
3. Students in seventh to 12th grade may enter. NOTE: this is open to home school students, too.
4. There is no entry fee to enter.
5. Students will have until midnight Friday, May 7, 2021, to enter.
6. Each entry will be judged. One Grand Prize winner and one Runner Up will be awarded.
7. All winning PSAs will be listed on the SchoolJournalism.org website and promoted and shared on our social media platforms.
8. All winning PSAs grant SchoolJournalism.org permission to share, post, or embed.
9. SchoolJournalism.org will not provide written feedback due to the fast turn-around time involved with judging.
10. Students may note that judges will not just look at only the technical aspects of video production; they are looking for PSAs that address the topic of the First Amendment.
11. PSAs must be 30 seconds long from start to finish.
12. Students will be disqualified if copyright is violated, entry requirements are not met, or it is found out that content used was not written, recorded, created, etc. by the students creating the PSA. Content should be original.
13. Students must upload their finished PSA to YouTube or Vimeo.
14. They will need to submit the link HERE by midnight Friday, May 7, 2021.
15. The submission will include the following information: Student(s) first and last name(s), name and contact phone number and email address for adult who oversaw the project (including and not limited to: teacher, adviser, youth group leader, or a parent if home school), PSA title, and PSA link.
16. We look forward to your participation. Our hope is that, win or lose, YOU are increasing awareness, knowledge, and understanding of the First Amendment in your community and across our nation.