The Equity Center and the Karsh Institute of Democracy are launching the “Voices of Democracy: What Democracy Means to Me” writing contest, open to 6th through 12th-grade students enrolled in public, private, or homeschool programs in Charlottesville or Albemarle County. Participants are invited to submit poetry or prose exploring their personal reflections on democracy (150-300 words in length). Winners will be selected from each of three age groups: 6th to 8th graders, 9th and 10th graders, and 11th and 12th graders. Two winners will receive prizes of $100 each, and the overall contest winner will receive an award of $500. The overall winner’s essay will be presented at a Karsh Institute of Democracy reception on October 17th at UVA’s Rotunda.
Key questions the students should answer through their writing include:
- How does democracy show up in your life and/or the lives of the people you love?
- How would you like democracy to be a part of your everyday life?
- What are your hopes and dreams for democracy?
For more information, contact Sydney Shuler at vrh7de@virginia.edu