FAQ - Canada's Next Green Journalist

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

    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.

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

    When you submit your article, photo or video to 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 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
    • Video - Pocket Waterproof Camcorder
    • Writing - Netbook

    You will also win an all-expense trip to report on an environmental education mission.

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

  3. 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.

  4. It looks like there are three age groups (11-14 years old, 15-18 years old and 19-21 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.

  5. 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.

  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. 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.

  8. 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.