Ashoka Changemakers and Google Launch Global Citizen Media Innovation Competition
Ashoka Changemakers, with the support of Google, is seeking innovations in Citizen Media to boost media access and participation around the world.
The competition invites submissions that represent innovations in media that allow more people to express themselves, make their voices heard, and/or find reliable and credible news and information. Projects may use any communication or information technology (Internet, radio, television, mobile) that enables people to achieve their goals.
The competition is open to individuals, teams, and organizations from any country; however, entries can only be accepted in English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, Arabic, Thai, Indonesian, Mandarin, and Japanese. The competition accepts both submissions by projects and nominations by third parties (in which case an invitation to enter will be extended to the nominated project).
To be eligible for prizes, projects must indicate a path for growth beyond the conceptual stage, either through early mocks or having already demonstrated some impact. While the program supports new ideas at every stage and encourages their entry, the judges are better able to evaluate programs that are beyond the conceptual stage and have demonstrated proof of impact.
Entries should demonstrate a substantial difference from other initiatives in the field and have the possibility for large-scale replication. It is important that the project provide a system-changing solution for the issue it addresses. Projects will be judged on their long-term vision for increasing impact and creating lasting change.
Four entries will receive unrestricted cash prizes of $5,000. The most competitive entrants will also be considered for an Ashoka Fellowship, which includes a three-year living stipend, international recognition, and access to a network of systems-changing social entrepreneurs. Entries received by August 3, 2011, will be eligible to win one of two early entry cash prizes of $500.
Online competition submissions will be accepted until September 14, 2011. At any time before this deadline, competition participants are encouraged to revise their entries based on questions and insights they receive through Changemakers discussion online.
