"What Does Democracy Mean to Me As a Citizen of DC?" Essay Contest Announced

DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative, DC Public Library, and the Humanities Council of Washington, DC, Query DC Youth on the Meaning of Democracy

WASHINGTON, Nov. 29, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative, in conjunction with the DC Public Library and the Humanities Council of Washington, DC, recently announced a city-wide student essay contest around the theme "What does democracy mean to me as a citizen of DC?"

"This is a great opportunity for students to express themselves, engage with what it means to be a citizen in our democracy, and call attention to our own quest for democracy in the District," Mayor Vincent C. Gray said. "I encourage all DC Public Schools and DC Public Charter Schools students to enter!"

Students from DC Public and Public Charter schools all over the city will participate in a challenging essay contest, judged by critically acclaimed authors. The essay topic will address the meaning of democracy in DC, and will culminate in an awards ceremony in the Spring.

"This essay contest will involve youth in a current and relevant dialogue taking place in our city," said Louise Kennelly, Executive Director of the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative.

Students are encouraged to seek help from librarians and will be able to submit entries in person at any DC Public Library -- or by email or mail to the DC Collaborative at [email protected] or 1835 14th NW, Washington, DC, 20009.   The contest will be open through February 29, 2012. 

Rules for entry are listed on the informational flier as well as the online registration form which can be found on our website at www.dccollaborative.org or on the DC Public Library http://www.dclibrary.org/ on the home page rotator.

Winning essays from each of the following grade groupings will receive a cash prize: 5th-6th; 7th- 9th; and 10th-12th.

"This essay contest will have a far reach in the greater DC community through the library system," said Micki Freeny of DC Public Library. The DC Public Library will be collecting essays at each branch. Essays also will be collected via e-mail at [email protected]. Students are encouraged to utilize the many resources each library branch offers.

"Our goal is to engage DC youth, along with teachers, school administrators, librarians, parents, and the greater DC community to celebrate student expression and raise awareness of the importance of basic democratic principles such as protecting self-determination in civic life," said Joy Ford Austin, Executive Director of the Humanities Council of Washington, DC.

"Living in a city with such a unique governmental structure, DC's youth need to not only be informed, but also to be given the chance to form their own opinions, find their own voices, and express themselves.  The Essay Contest is an opportunity for them to get involved, and to give students a chance to participate in an exciting city-wide project," added Kennelly.

About the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative

Nearly 70 members strong, the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative (DC Collaborative) provides equitable access to quality arts and humanities education for all DC public and chartered public schools for the growth of the whole child. Working with its partners, since its founding in 1998, the DC Collaborative produces such exemplary programs as Arts for Every Student and the Arts Education Initiative.

About DC Public Library

The District of Columbia Public Library is a vibrant center of activity for residents and visitors in the nation's capital. The library provides environments that invite reading, learning and community discussion and equips people to learn all their lives, to embrace diversity and to build a thriving city. We are proud to be a recognized force in the community for engaging the mind, expanding opportunities and elevating the quality of life.The DC Public library has 25 neighborhood libraries as well as the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library.

Humanities Council of Washington, DC

Founded in 1980, the Humanities Council of Washington, DC is a private affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). It is a non-profit organization that provides grant support for community programs that enrich the lives of DC citizens through the humanities disciplines. Additionally, the Humanities Council of Washington, DC, produces various programs with support from area non-profits, the NEH, and the DC government.

Contact: Dixie Hairston (202) 204-7750 [email protected] ; Martha Saccocio (202) 727-1188 [email protected]

SOURCE DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative