In addition to participating in Global Youth Service Day (GYSD) at the end of April, students can capture their GYSD service project stories and enter the City of Milwaukee’s video contest.

“Last year was our first year incorporating a video contest,” said Kari Couture, Community Arts Specialist with the Milwaukee Public Schools Division of Recreation and Community Services and who is also working with the City of Milwaukee, a State Farm Lead Agency. “Eight videos were submitted in varying formats including a documentary, photo slide show, and music video styles. Walnut Way submitted the winning video. Their video documented the students planning and implementing their GYSD project as they helped clean up the Walnut Way neighborhood. The students then donated their $500 prize back to the neighborhood.”

Videos and submission forms are due May 3, 2013. All video entries must address the following questions in some manner:

• Demonstrate the purpose of and/or need for your service project.
• Show the positive impact the service project had on you and/or your team members.
• Show the positive impact on the need or problem addressed by your service project.
• Educate viewers about an issue and/or power of service.
• Encourage others to continue OR begin their involvement in community service.

The grand prize is $500, which will be awarded to the 1st place video for the individual or team to donate to a school or nonprofit of their choosing.

All entries will be screened at the GYSD Award Ceremony as a part of Family Sunday at the Milwaukee Art Museum on Sunday, May 19. Screenings and the Award Ceremony will be held in the auditorium from noon to 1:30 p.m. Raffle prizes will be awarded throughout the ceremony and the winning individual or team will be announced at the end. Family Sunday begins at 10:00 a.m. and ends at 4:00 p.m. and all GYSD participants and guests receive free admission.

Global Youth Service Day is an annual campaign that celebrates and mobilizes the millions of children and youth who improve their communities each day of the year through community service and service-learning. GYSD is the largest service event in the world and is celebrated in over 100 countries. On GYSD, children and youth address the world’s most critical issues in partnership with families, schools, community and faith-based organizations, businesses, and governments. Learn more at http://city.milwaukee.gov/GYSD.