Children and teens interested in sustainability can share their thoughts on video and win prizes, in a new Sarasota County contest. Added to the county’s annual Sustainable Communities Workshop, set this year for November 10, the contest looks to engage an audience of 8- to 18-year-olds in the efforts to build lasting, equitable communities for generations to come.

“Since 2019, we’ve prioritized involving youth in our annual event,” said Sara Kane, sustainability program supervisor with Sarasota County UF/IFAS Extension and Sustainability. “It’s important to bring youth into the community sustainability conversation. After all, they are not only a part of this community, but also its future.” 

Fast-growing Sarasota County continues to face challenges, with stress on everything from health systems to natural resources, like water, natural areas, and wildlife. Children and teens across the community have noticed, and are getting active in identifying and adopting sustainable approaches. The video contest asks contestants to create and submit a short video (no more than two minutes) explaining what sustainability means to them, and what they are doing to practice sustainability in their everyday lives. Judging criteria include video content, technical quality, and creativity.

Participants will be grouped by age: 8-10 years old, 11-13, and 14-18. The winner of each age group will receive a $100 gift card, provided by the workshop’s fiscal host, Transition Sarasota. In addition, all participants will receive a certificate, a free ticket to the workshop, and a reusable, metal straw, while supplies last. To submit a video, and for more details on contest rules, guidelines, and judging criteria, visit tinyurl.com/SCWvideocontest. All submissions are due by Oct. 04. 

To learn more about the Sustainable Communities Workshop, to be held virtually again this year for enhanced access and safety, visit scgov.net/sustainablecommunities.