AmeriCorps Works in many different ways. Vote now to help us choose the photos that best show how AmeriCorps Works!

Winners announced (view all dates)

Also see our video challenge

Theme

The theme of the 2012 AmeriCorps photo contest is “AmeriCorps Works.”   This theme communicates the value and effectiveness of AmeriCorps while providing flexibility to be used in many different contexts.  It provides an overarching framework to communicate AmeriCorps triple bottom line return on investment -- for the recipients of service, the people who serve, and the larger community and nation.  For example:

AmeriCorps Works…

• To meet pressing community needs
• To expand economic and educational opportunity for those who serve
• To make our communities safer, stronger, and healthier
• To improve the lives of vulnerable Americans
• To build the next generation of nonprofit leaders 
• To develop innovative community solutions
• To mobilize volunteers and resources to strengthen America’s voluntary sector

AmeriCorps Works in many different ways.  Whatever you choose to feature in your photo, be sure to shows how AmeriCorps Works!

Photo Contest Guidelines

Summary:

Please review the following links to guide you when making your submissions related to…

• Theme
• Content
• Evaluation Criteria
• Judging Process
• Eligibility
• Submission Period March 10 – July 15, 2012

Contest Guidelines:

Please use the following information to guide you when making your submission. For more complete information on eligibility requirements, please see the official rules. Participants are encouraged to learn more about AmeriCorps at www.AmeriCorps.gov.

Theme

The theme of the 2012 AmeriCorps photo contest is “AmeriCorps Works.”   This theme communicates the value and effectiveness of AmeriCorps while providing flexibility to be used in many different contexts.  It provides an overarching framework to communicate AmeriCorps triple bottom line return on investment -- for the recipients of service, the people who serve, and the larger community and nation.  For example:

AmeriCorps Works…

• To meet pressing community needs
• To expand economic and educational opportunity for those who serve
• To make our communities safer, stronger, and healthier
• To improve the lives of vulnerable Americans
• To build the next generation of nonprofit leaders 
• To develop innovative community solutions
• To mobilize volunteers and resources to strengthen America’s voluntary sector

AmeriCorps Works in many different ways.  Whatever you choose to feature in your photograph, be sure it shows how AmeriCorps Works!

Content:

The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) is asking you to join us in educating the general public about the benefits of and opportunities in AmeriCorps by submitting up to two compelling photos that illustrate the impact of AmeriCorps. We're looking for bold, creative, and exciting photos to help educate the public about AmeriCorps and inspire them to join!

The theme of the 2012 Photo Contest is AmeriCorps Works!

Think about the following:

• How does AmeriCorps help America tackle some of its biggest challenges and meet educational, environmental, public safety and other human needs?
• How can you show the difference AmeriCorps makes in your community?
• What impacts or results has AmeriCorps members' service had on the community?
• What impact does the AmeriCorps experience have on its members?
• How does AmeriCorps have a transforming impact on one person's life?
• Why should someone join AmeriCorps?
• If you had to illustrate AmeriCorps' impact in one word or idea, what would it be?

The possible ways to show AmeriCorps Works are endless -- use your creativity and to share your AmeriCorps story. Consider capturing a photo in one or more of these AmeriCorps issue areas:

• Disaster Services
• Economic Opportunity
• Education
• Environmental Stewardship
• Healthy Futures
• Veterans and Military Families

The current AmeriCorps logo must appear in your image as photos may be used in future recruitment efforts for AmeriCorps such as brochures, calendar, exhibits, public service advertising, websites, and other promotional uses, and having a visible logo increases the likelihood of its use.

There are some legal limits (please see rules) on what you are able to do and we will not post photos that are inappropriate or offensive. Other than that, what you put in your photo to show AmeriCorps works is up to you!

Evaluation Criteria:

Photos will be judged by the following criteria:

1. Overall Impact (educational, inspiring, persuasive)
2. Creativity
3. Composition or Technical Quality
4. Memorable Content and Delivery
5. Expression of AmeriCorps Works

Judging Process:

A panel of contest judges consisting of CNCS staff will review the videos using the above evaluation criteria.  The panel will then select the finalists.

The finalists' videos will then be available for voting by the general public through the Challenge.gov website until September 1, 2012.  Public voting will determine the grand and runner-up recipients.

Who can Participate:

This contest is only open to any current AmeriCorps member or any former AmeriCorps member who has successfully completed his or her term of service. The AmeriCorps member or alumni submitting a photo may work individually or as a team with others who are not members or alumnus, but the official entry must be submitted by an individual who is a current AmeriCorps member or alumni. Employees, officers, Board members, contractors, and consultants of CNCS, companies awarding prizes, or their immediate family members, are ineligible to participate in the contest. "Immediate family members" means spouse, parents, step-parents, legal guardians, children, step-children, siblings and step-siblings, and each of their respective spouses.

As noted, the contest photos or derivatives of contest photos may be used in future public service advertising campaigns for AmeriCorps, including brochures, calendar, in exhibits, displayed on websites, and other collateral uses.

Submissions and Deadlines:

Submissions will be accepted from March 10 through 5:00 pm EDT on July 15, 2012, submissions should be posted on Challenge.gov along with a description of photo,

Respect for Existing Copyright:

You must be the original author of everything in your photo or have written permission to use copyright protected material.

Consent from Subjects in Your Photo:

Winning participants must declare that they have written consent from people featured or identifiable in their photo. Please Note: consent requirements may vary from state to state and each participant is responsible for complying with state consent requirements.