The 2023 YouthSpeak Contest is now OPEN
OC Human Relations’ annual YouthSpeak Contest is a county-wide search for the top human relations speech or art created and delivered by a high school student and essay written by a middle school student.
Guidelines:
PLEASE NOTE: The contest is open to all Orange County, CA, middle or high school students, provided they are not related to an OC Human Relations Commissioner, Groundswell Board Member or employee, nor are a previous winner.
Please be sure to thoroughly read and write your speech or essay accordingly to the following theme & prompt:
This year’s theme is “Groundswell”. What does it mean to advocate for a Groundswell of change in our communities? How can we amplify underrepresented perspectives, create change, and work to build a more collective, supportive, and belonging community?
Contest Rules:
- The essay (middle school students) is to be between 300 and 400 words in length, must be the original work of the contestant and have not been used in another contest.
- The entry form and essay must be submitted to Groundswell via the form below by: 11:59pm Saturday, December 16, 2023
- The speech (high school students) is to be between 2.5 to 3.5 minutes in length, must be the original work of the contestant and have not been used in another contest. A video of the speech must also be submitted.
- A 360 degree view of the art piece (high school students) either on video or by photo(s) must be submitted along with the entry form.
- The entry form and speech or art piece must be submitted to Groundswell via the form below by: 11:59pm Saturday, December 16, 2023
- The top 3 speech finalists must live-deliver their speech on January 24, 2024 at 5:00pm at the Groundswell monthly board meeting, in person or virtual. Winners will be notified after via phone call.
