For information on our 2023 contest, please visit our dedicated website here!
Deadline: May 5th, 2023
Our Art & Writing Challenge, named in honor of its founder Dennis T. Thomas, is organized to encourage local youth to address issues of peace and social justice through fine art (includes visual art, sculpture, photography, video, and music) or writing (creative writing or essay).
We are open to nearly all mediums, and are now expanding our categories to include original MUSIC into the “Arts” category!
Youth Activist Grant Awards
We are constantly inspired by the tireless dedication of young people in our community who are fighting for the betterment of all and working to support our most marginalized groups. Every single day, young people are recognizing the power and potential they have for being true catalysts for positive change and we want to recognize those leading the charge!
In 2019, the year of our 50th Anniversary, we decided we needed to create something special to commemorate the anniversary while also acknowledging these young activists. To that end we decided to provide grant awards to deserving recipients! Past recipients have included: Ygnacio Valley High School Racist Mascot Removal Committee, wildlife fundraiser organizer Mia Portner, Rio Meyers-Dahlkamp, co-founder of Earth Guardians – Bay Area and Mahi Jariwala, who fundraised for an organization that builds fresh water wells in India.
The community is invited to nominate a youth organization, an individual, or a group of young people, grades 6-12, who show exemplary leadership and dedication for social justice, organizing, and human rights. Nominees must be residents of Contra Costa County to be eligible.
Deadline is May 5th, 2023