Teens Asked to Bring the NOYS: Act Out Loud Contest Launches to Help Save Teen Lives

NORTHBROOK, Ill., Nov. 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Allstate Foundation and National Organizations for Youth Safety (NOYS) launched the 2012 Act Out Loud (AOL) contest, "Acting Out Loud for Stronger Teen Driving Laws." High schools teams across the country can enter the contest at www.ActOutLoud.org to be eligible for more than $40,000 in prizes. Contest registration is open now through January 13, 2012.

In its fifth year, AOL is a national, school-based activism competition that enlists teens to raise local awareness about the importance of stronger teen driving laws.

"Allstate Foundation programs like Act Out Loud give teens the chance to take action to save lives, elevate the smart driving discussion in their hometown and reinforce the importance of responsible driving among their peers," said Vicky Dinges, vice president of public social responsibility at Allstate.

The winners of the contest will be announced in May 2012 as part of the sixth anniversary of National Youth Traffic Safety Month (NYTSM). NYTSM engages youth from across the country in peer-to-peer education efforts to address the number one cause of death for American teens: traffic crashes.  Eight of the 10 deadliest days for teens on the road occur between the months of May and August. Motor vehicle crashes kill about 4,000 teens each year.

Eleven teams will win prizes for their activism projects. To be eligible for prizes, teams must complete three projects in the Spring of 2012, including:

• Safe-Tee Shirt Design contest to discourage use of cell phones while driving
• Creative Community Sign contest to raise awareness of passenger restrictions
• Facebook Yearbook photo montage project to promote safe driving laws

The grand prize winning school will be awarded $10,000, a private concert from rising musical artist Skyler, and a taped broadcast from their school that will air on Channel One News, which will be seen by an audience of nearly six million young people in middle schools and high schools across the country. To learn about Skyler, please visit www.ActOutLoud.org.

"National Organizations for Youth Safety is honored to work with The Allstate Foundation.  We appreciate the leadership The Allstate Foundation has shown in encouraging and rewarding youth leaders who create National Youth Traffic Safety Month projects in their communities," said Sandy Spavone, Executive Director, NOYS.

About The Allstate Foundation

Established in 1952, The Allstate Foundation is an independent, charitable organization made possible by subsidiaries of The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL). Through partnerships with nonprofit organizations across the country, The Allstate Foundation brings the relationships, reputation and resources of Allstate to support innovative and lasting solutions that enhance people's well-being and prosperity. With a focus on teen safe driving and building financial independence for domestic violence survivors, The Allstate Foundation also promotes safe and vital communities; tolerance, inclusion, and diversity; and economic empowerment. For more information, visit www.AllstateFoundation.org.

About National Organizations for Youth Safety

National Organizations for Youth Safety® (NOYS) is a coalition of national organizations, business and industry leaders and federal agencies who serve youth and focus on youth safety and health. Through the coalition, NOYS influences more than 80 million young people and their adult advisors.  The mission of NOYS is to promote youth empowerment and leadership, and build partnerships that save lives, prevent injuries, and enhance safe and healthy lifestyles among all youth.

SOURCE The Allstate Foundation