Elevating Voices in Our Communities
Sandy Hook Promise wants to amplify the voices of Upstanders by celebrating the work young people have done across the country to create safer schools and communities! This contest elevates the core messaging of the Say Something and Start With Hello programs.
Contest Description
Individual or groups of students in grades K-12 produce original works of art that exemplify the importance of:
- Creating safer schools by building a community of Upstanders
- Creating safer schools by building empathetic and inclusive communities
- Lifting up the core messages of the Start With Hello and Say Something programs
Contest Details
Opens: January 31, 2025
Closes: April 11, 2025
Winner Announcement: May 5, 2025
Categories of Submission
| Categories | Description | Award for Each Category |
| Schools or Youth-serving Orgs | Large group | Three winners: $500 |
| Youth Upstanders | Individuals and small groups | Three winners: $500 |
Types of Entries
- Artwork (murals, paintings, sketches, etc.)
- Videos
- Spoken word
- Garden
- Community pictures or collages
- Photography
- Songs
- Poems
Each submission must include:
- First name, last initial (or last name), school name (if applicable), city, state, and contact information.
- A high-quality and thoughtfully created photo or video of the creative work (3 minutes max length).
- A description of the creative work (50-200 words).
- Use of themes of the Start With Hello or Say Something programs such as reducing social isolation, boosting belonging, and turning to a Trusted Adult.
After review by an educator or Trusted Adult, young people can submit their original work. A detailed breakdown of the criteria is available on this rubric.
Sandy Hook Promise is the organizer of the Upstanders Amplified: Elevating Voices in Our Community Contest. Sandy Hook Promise (SHP) is a national, nonprofit organization based in Newtown, Connecticut. Learn more about us.
All submissions become the sole property of Sandy Hook Promise. Sandy Hook Promise reserves the right to use entries in the service of Sandy Hook Promise’s mission. This includes but is not limited to exhibiting, publishing, sharing on social media, and reprinting permissions in part or in whole. For more information, please email: [email protected].
