| DECEMBER 24, 2012 -- The National Grange just celebrated its 145th birthday on December 4, but that's not the big number in our minds.
We've already begun preparations for the 150th Anniversary in 2017 and as part of that, plan at least one book to celebrate the Grange's Sesquicentennial.
We are asking Grange members to submit content for the book that will be published, including essays that will become chapters. Essays may be accompanied by photos.
We are also seeking photo essays. Photo essays are used to present an idea or story through photos and few words.
Written Essay Contest
The National Grange Communications and Youth Departments will establish new topics each year from 2013 to 2016 and selected essays will appear in the planned 150th Anniversary Grange history and culture book that will be published in 2017.
Each essay must be submitted electronically, must be at least 2,500 words in length and no more than 5,000 words. They must be well-written and submissions must include an entry form.
Entries must be typed, double-spaced, Times New Roman, 12 point font with 1" margins all around. Entries should include a single "cover page" with your name, Grange affiliation and the title of your essay. Entries must not include headers or footers with identifying information.
These must be well-written documents that will be meaningful for future generations of Grangers to read and to which they can relate. They should provide a significant sociocultural history of the Grange from a community or personal level and be in good taste.
Up to three high-quality digital photos (or scans of original photos) may be submitted with the essay/anecdote. All photos must include a caption noting the people in the photo and as much other information as possible. All photos must be accompanied by a photo release form if they include human subjects. If subjects are deceased, a family member must complete the release form. Submissions with photos will receive a maximum 5 point bonus in judging.
All winners must be available to answer any questions or provide minor manuscript edits after submission and judging.
This year's topics are:
- Love/Marriage in the Grange
- The Grange's impact on a community (a specific project or historical view)
- The Greatest Granger I Ever Knew
Up to three authors may appear on each entry. No author may enter the same category twice.
The first place winner in each category will receive $300 and will see their submission published in the book. Second place winners in each category will receive $150. Third place winners in each category will receive $100. A "best of show" winner will be designated and will receive an additional $100 prize. All other entrants meeting the criteria will receive certificates of participation.
Photo Essay Contest
Photo essay submissions for this contest should visually capture some element of Grange culture - be it an event; a general Grange activity such as a meeting; a Grange value such as family, community service, activism, etc. - and the attached entry should illustrate how these images are indicative of a larger Grange culture and "norm."
To enter, you must submit a contest entry form, along with 3 to 5 digital, high quality (300 dpi) photos along with full captions (names of any people in photos; place and date it was taken; what was going on in the photo) and a 250-500 word well-written essay that offers insight into the event/activity portrayed in the photos.
The essay must be titled and captions must be typed, double-spaced, Times New Roman, 12 point font, with 1" margins all around. Entries should include a single "cover page" with your name, Grange affiliation and the title of your photo essay. Entries must not include headers or footers with identifying information.
Captions must clearly indicate what photo they are referring to, preferably with the photo's file name.
All individuals identifiable in the photos must sign a photo release form for your photo essay to be judged.
The first place winner will receive a $100 prize. The second place will receive a $75 prize. The third place will receive a $50 prize. All other entrants who meet the criteria will receive certificates of participation. Selected photo essays will appear in the 150th Anniversary Grange history and culture book.
Other Details
Any Grange or Junior Grange member of good standing may compete in either contest. Members may submit no more than two photo essays and may submit no more than one entry in each essay topic category.
Both contests will be judged by committees selected by the National Grange Communications Director. The committees will include at least four Grange members and one non-Grange member.
The postmark deadline for both contests is Sept. 15, 2013.
Entry forms for both written essays and photo essays, as well as photo release forms may be found at: http://bit.ly/V2X9zW.
No entry or winner is guaranteed publication in the 150th Anniversary book. |
