FAQ - Canada's Next Green Journalist

  1. Do you accept submissions in both English and French?

    Yes, we gladly accept submissions in both English and French. Unfortunately, we don't offer our Handbooks or rules in French at this time, however if you have any questions, please send us an email at yre@environmentaldefence.ca, and we will do our best to answer.

  2. Can I enter if I'm turning 12 in 2012?

    Yes, if you are turning 12 before the end of 2012, you are eligible to enter Canada's Next Green Journalist.

  3. What's the difference between Canada's Next Green Journalist and the Litter Less Campaign?

    Canada's Next Green Journalist is an annual competition looking for inspired stories, photos and videos about local environmental issues. The contest is open to individuals, and runs from the beginning of March to the end of April, 2012.

    The Litter Less campaign is an environmental journalism competition specifically focused on the issue of litter. In order to participate, students must be affiliated with a school or youth group. Registration for schools closes on December 16, 2011. Submissions by students from participating schools are due by the end of April 2012.

    Both competitions offer three categories of prizes for writing, photography, and film, and are judged at both the national and international level.

  4. Can I connect with international YRE participants?

    Of course! We encourage you to register on YRE Connect to interact, collaborate and share your ideas with participants from all around the world who are taking part in a YRE program in their home country.

  5. It looks like there are two age groups (12 - 17 years old an 18 - 21 years old). Are we competing against each other?

    Nope! To level the playing field, submissions will be judged separately and prizes will be awarded by age category.

  6. What about rights to my work that I submit?

    As a contributor to Canada's Next Green Journalist, you acknowledge that images, video, and articles may be used on the Environmental Defence website (www.environmentaldefence.ca) and in Environmental Defence online and print publications. Environmental Defence reserves the non-exclusive right to publish any entry and/or use any entry in promotional material.  We take care to always credit the work of contributors.

  7. Tell me more about the awards and prizes I can win!

    When you submit your article, photo or video to the Litter Less Campaign and/or Canada's Next Green Journalist you are entering your piece into an international contest with the chance to see your article or photo printed in the international Young Reporters Publication.

    Prizes are awarded separately for the Litter Less Campaign and Canada's Next Green Journalist, for each category of submission. In addition to individual prizes, each category winner in the respective contests will take home $500 for their school.
    Photography - Digital SLR Camera
    Film - Pocket Waterproof Camcorder
    Writing - Netbook

    Your piece may also be featured on this website and in our newsletters.

     

  8. What are the actual rules I need to know for submitting my piece?

    For rules on the Litter Less Campaign, click here.

    For Canada's Next Green Journalist, in order for your article, photo or video to be eligible, there are a few criteria you should adhere to.

    Your piece should investigate a local environmental issue/problem, propose possible solutions, and then report through writing, photos, or video.

    • Articles should be no more than 1,000 words and can include illustrations and photos.
    • Photos can be submitted alone or as part of a series. Photos should have a title and description of no more than 150 words to explain the link with environmental sustainability and/or a solution to the problem/issue.
    • Videos should be no more than 3 minutes long and should be in documentary or reporter/interview style. Videos should have a title and description and should be compatible with YouTube.

    Students may submit more than one piece and can work individually or in groups.

     

  9. What are the Young Reporters Handbooks for?

    The Handbooks are here to help you develop your skills and learn the finer points of environmental journalism.

    The Handbooks offer quick tips from our experts that are focused on getting you practicing concepts about writing, taking photos and filming like a journalist, and can be used by individuals or in the classroom.

  10. How can Young Reporters for the Environment be used in the classroom?

    Young Reporters is designed to be flexible so that both individuals and classrooms can participate. The content provides a platform for various lesson plans, from the exploration of scientific concepts to the crafting of a proper article to perfecting the balance between storytelling and aesthetics in photography and filmmaking.

    There are various courses Young Reporters can be integrated into, and it can be used as a one-day lesson plan, expanded into a theme for a whole unit or used as an assignment for a culminating activity.