Grassroots Volunteer Campaign Grant

In celebration of Sleeping Bear Press' new book, D is for Democracy: A Citizen's Alphabet, we're encouraging schools and students in grades 3-8 to take an active part in our democratic process by developing their very own grassroots volunteer project. For examples of successful youth grassroots campaigns that benefit the community, visit your library and check out a copy of D is for Democracy — at the back are some great examples of how to get involved.

Be sure to set aside some class time to discuss the project and brainstorm your ideas. When your class has finalized their idea, please follow the submission directions below.

Grants Awarded

Sleeping Bear Press will award five (5) individual $1,000 grants to fund a student grassroots volunteer project. In addition:

• Each winning proposal will be published in the reprint edition of D is for Democracy: A Citizen's Alphabet
• Each winning classroom will receive a framed, book poster autographed by author Elissa Grodin and artist Victor Juhasz
• Each winning proposal will be featured on the Sleeping Bear Press and Thomson Gale Web sites

Who Can Participate

The campaign is restricted to classroom(s) grades 3-8.

Participating teachers must submit one project campaign proposal to represent their class. The project is to benefit a worthy cause and must be implemented by the winning teacher and classroom.

When

Projects must be submitted by Jan. 10, 2005.

Judging Criteria

Author Elissa Grodin, artist Victor Juhasz and a panel from Sleeping Bear Press will judge entries on:

• Originality
• Clearly stated need (show cause) and ultimate goal, i.e. Who will benefit from the project?
• Feasibility of implementation, i.e. How long will the project last? How many volunteers?

Official Rules & Regulations

The contest began Sept. 1, 2004, and ends Jan. 10, 2005. Participating teachers must forward one submission to Sleeping Bear Press no later than Jan. 10, 2005, by 5:00 p.m.

Only teachers of classrooms grades 3-8 are eligible.

The judges will select five winners on Jan. 20, 2005.

The five winning classrooms will be contacted by phone by a representative of Sleeping Bear Press on Jan. 20, 2005. The judges' decision is final.

All entries must be typewritten (a Word or other word processing document may be attached to an e-mail) and must include:

• Teacher's Name
• Grade
• School Name & Address
• Phone
• E-mail Address
• Project Name
• Project Description (including clearly stated need, implementation plan, etc.)

Submit Your Entry

Entries may be submitted via e-mail to sbp.contest@cengage.com or via regular mail to:
Sleeping Bear Press
Attn: Barb McNally, Associate Children's Editor
310 North Main
Ste. 300
Chelsea, MI 48118

Please refer all contest questions to Barb McNally.