AlcoholEdu^® for High School Media Competition

CONCEPT GUIDELINES

The 2011 Media Competition is now closed.

In our society, we are constantly bombarded with media and advertisements that make drinking alcohol seem appealing, trendy, and the cool thing to do. These portrayals don’t show the risks and realities of drinking. There are better and safer ways to have a good time! Students wishing to compete in the AlcoholEdu for High School Media Competition should design an original billboard or video for high school students that will show the reasons why teens choose not to drink.

Billboards and video concepts should not just focus on "scare tactics" - images that show only the negative things that can happen from drinking. Instead, students should focus on the positive things, such as why they choose not to get involved with alcohol, and why it’s actually the better and “cooler” decision not to drink. This is an opportunity to be creative—it’s always easier to show negative consequences, instead let’s prove them wrong by showing that it’s the better, healthier, and less-riskier choice NOT to drink!

Get Your Students Involved!

We’ve designed a one-page flyer to distribute to your students in class. This can also be hung up around your school hallways, classrooms, and faculty rooms. Feel free to customize the flyer for your students by adding teacher contact information. You can also change the submission date to an earlier date if you choose to use this as an in-class assignment.

download the flyer (Word Doc)

We’ve also provided a sheet that gives some tips to create an effective message. These tips come from “social marketing” strategies.  You can use this information to get your students brainstorming!

download the Social Marketing Tip Sheet (PDF)

Submission Overview

Students are encouraged to be creative in their use of media. For example, students can submit any of the following: 

A Billboard. Imagine driving or walking down the street. What would you want to see when it comes to spreading a message about not drinking? view details

A video. Videos could contain a public service announcement, advertisement, music video, or theatrical production. Try to make the video no longer than 45 seconds if it’s an advertisement. view details

In addition, please submit a 1-3 paragraph summary that describes the entry, why this piece of media will help prevent or stop underage drinking behavior. Send everything along with the provided coversheet.

Submissions must be received no later than April 29, 2011. You may submit entries anytime before then. Questions? Contact us at palame@outsidetheclassroom.com or call 781-726-6677 ext. 131.