Let Their Voices Be Heard Essay Contest

Posted by on April 2, 2004

PRESS RELEASE

March 12, 2004 Contact David Rippe
For Immediate Release 513-618-6449

Group Provides a Forum for American Youth to Let Their Voices Be Heard Announcing the "Let Your Voice Be Heard" Essay Contest

Sponsored by Barcelona Forum 2004 US

The Barcelona Forum 2004 US is pleased to announce the "Let Your Voice Be Heard" essay contest. All high school, college and graduate students in the United States and Canada area encouraged to write an essay on one of the following themes…

* Women in the 21st Century: <a href="http://www.womenandyouth.org">http://www.womenandyouth.org</a>
* Minority Voices in the World: <a href="http://www.thewordforum.org">http://www.thewordforum.org</a>
* My Role in Creating a Sustainable World: <a href="http://www.sciencedialogues.org">http://www.sciencedialogues.org</a>
* A Vision of Peace and Freedom for All: <a href="http://www.freedomdialogues.org">http://www.freedomdialogues.org</a>
* How I Would Change the World: <a href="http://www.barcelona2004us.org">http://www.barcelona2004us.org</a>

"At this critical stage in our society’s maturation, and given today’s political discourse, it is more important than ever that our youth be given a voice," said William Gladstone, North American spokesman and co-chair of the Barcelona Forum US. "Young people have many wonderful ideas and contributions to offer for the betterment of the planet. We cannot afford for this generation to become disillusioned and disenfranchised," Mr. Gladstone elaborated. "They are the future. We need their spark, their creativity, and their involvement. The essay contest is a positive way to engage this unheard talent."

There will be three first place prizes consisting of round trip airfare to Barcelona, Spain with seven night accommodations and a three-day pass to the Forum.

Ninety-seven runner-up winners will be awarded prizes consisting of one copy each of You Can Change the World by Ervin Laszlo, and How to Use What You’ve Got to Get What You Want, by Marilyn Tam.

A distinguished panel of professors from the nation’s top universities will select the winning "Let Your Voice Be Heard" essays. The top 100 essays will be published in a book and distributed through bookstores and online venues. The winning essays will also be posted on all our web sites. The Barcelona Forum is the largest cultural event in the history of the world. It is an unprecedented gathering of people from all societies to spontaneously and freely participate in creating a better planet based on the principles of cultural diversity, economic sustainability, and world peace.

Recognizing this important juncture in history, the United Nations, the Spanish government, the Catalan government, and the city of Barcelona passionately dedicated themselves to the building of an international village to host a celebration of ideas, dialogue, and diversity.

The first world event will be held in Barcelona May 9th through September 26th, 2004 with expected attendance of five million people. The Forum features forty-five Dialogues and hundreds of entertainment and cultural events in a progressive exchange of global cross-cultural communication and action.

For more information on the "Let Your Voice Be Heard" essay contest please visit <a href="http://www.barcelona2004us.org">http://www.barcelona2004us.org</a>, <a href="http://www.womenandyouth.org">http://www.womenandyouth.org</a> or call David Rippe at 513-618-6449.