TO ALL EDUCATORS AND High School JUNIORS AND SENIORS:
The Pacific Northwest region of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) would like to invite all 11th and 12th grade high school students to participate in the 2011 Abby & Myra Franklin Award Essay Contest. Three essays will be chosen and the winners will be awarded scholarships towards the continuation of their education beyond the completion of high school graduation requirements.
Established eleven years ago through the generosity of Dr. Abby & Myra Franklin, this contest hopes to stimulate greater understanding and acceptance of ethnic, religious, gender and racial differences in our society by asking students to study, consider and write about this year’s topic –
‘CYBERBULLYING: WHY VIRTUAL STICKS & STONES DO HURT’
Like many tools, electronic media can be used to help or to hurt others. Sadly, some people say things online that they would never say in person. Draw upon your own experiences or those of your peers as you consider some or all of the following questions:
- What is it about an electronic environment that invites cruelty? What are the unspoken rules of conduct online that support a culture of cruelty (e.g., ‘What happens online stays online,’ etc.)? How can you shift the culture of your community from one where meanness is taken for granted to one where respect is expected?
- When is it free speech and when is it cyberbullying? How can you tell when that line has been crossed? How can you balance first amendment rights with the responsibility to treat others with respect?
- What does it mean to be an ally for someone (off-line)? How does being an ally extend to an online environment? Describe ways to avoid being a bystander online and to be an electronic ally.
- Do we have a civic responsibility to make our online communities safe places as we would our physical communities? How can this be done? What is your role?
The deadline for essay entries is JANUARY 14, 2011. It is crucial that you and your students abide by the Essay Rules, Guidelines, and Deadline for entries (see enclosures). Three essay entries will be selected by committee, and the winners will be notified by mail no later than January 20, 2011. Awards will be presented at an ADL event on the evening of January 27, 2011.
1st-place = $1,500 award; 2nd-place = $1,000 award; 3rd place = $500 award
The deadline is January 14, 2010. Contest entries must be postmarked on or before this date. Sorry, no essays will be accepted after the due date.
We hope that your students will be given the opportunity to win scholarships towards their future education. Please spread the word by posting flyers and talking to students. We look forward to your involvement and their participation.
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