Voices for Change: Democracy and Climate Action is a vital initiative aimed at showcasing the crucial connection between democracy and effective climate action while empowering individuals and communities to share their stories and creative expressions. This program recognizes that a healthy democracy is essential for addressing the climate crisis and protecting our communities and cultures.
Voices for Change aims to foster a collective understanding of how democracy is integral to climate action and community resilience. By empowering individuals to share their narratives and artistic expressions, we amplify the importance of civic engagement in creating lasting, positive change for our planet.
Together, the Human Impacts Institute and the Preserving Democracy program of the WNET Group are committed to amplifying the connection between democracy, climate action, and cultural preservation. By fostering collaboration among artists, activists, and community leaders, they aim to create a powerful movement that empowers individuals to engage in the democratic process and advocate for sustainable solutions to the climate crisis.
Submit Your Designs:
Inspire Action for
Climate and Democracy
Our Voices for Change: Democracy and Climate Action Campaign invites creatives to submit digital posters that inspire civic engagement and encourage voting for climate action and democracy in the upcoming elections. This is your chance to make an impact through your creativity!
Join us in amplifying the message of civic engagement and climate action! Together, let's inspire change and encourage everyone to vote for the future of our planet!
Themes and Prompts
We encourage you to explore these prompts in your submissions:
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"Later is Too Late"
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“My Vote Matters”
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“Vote for Each Other and the Planet”
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“Vote for Our Climate”
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"Your Vote, Our Planet"
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"Raise Your Voice for Change"
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"The Future is in Our Hands"
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"Climate is on the Ballot"
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"Democracy Grows a Greener Future"
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"Vote for Tomorrow"
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"Your Vote, Their Future"
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"Vote for the Climate, Vote for Change
Submission Guidelines
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Format: Digital posters (JPEG or PNG)
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Size: 3600×5400 pixels
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Deadline: Monday, October 21, 2024
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Where to Submit: Email your designs to programs@humanimpactsinstitute.org with the subject line "Voices for Change Submission." and include your Full Name, Age, and Country and State of Residence and/or Origin in your submission.
Prizes and Recognition
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Winner: $200 cash prize
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Semifinalists: Selected semifinalists will have their work featured on the Human Impacts Institute's and PBS WNET platforms, reaching a broad audience.
Important Information
All submissions will be judged on creativity, relevance to the themes, and artistic expression.
By submitting your work, you agree to a Creative Commons license, allowing others to use, adapt, and share your work with credit to you, while helping promote climate action and civic engagement.
Creativity for Democracy and Climate Action
Take a look at the amazing designs being created from around the world to preserve democracy and inspire climate action.
Like a design? Download and use for your climate action and civic engagement project. And vote for your favorites by liking the images below. All designs below are Creative Commons license and available for your non-commercial use!
Voices for Change Series
In 2024, we are co-hosting a series of talks featuring leaders focusing on inspiring and diverse ways to preserve democracy in relation to climate and community. Facilitated by Hari Sreenivasan, Correspondent/Anchor for PBS WNET/Thirteen our invited guests and topics include:
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Why Leadership Matters: Jay Hakes, former Administrator of the U.S. Energy Information Administration
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Why Stories Matter: Mark Hertsgaard, Co-Founder & Executive Director, Covering Climate Now
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Why Voting Matters: Antonieta Cadiz, Deputy Executive Director for Climate Power En Acción
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Why Art Matters: Winning artist from Voices for Change: Democracy and Climate Action poster competition
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Why Youth Matter: Sophia Kianni, Founder and President, Climate Cardinals
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Why Culture Matters: (invited) Nick Tilsen, President and CEO NDN Collective or Simone Senogles (Red Lake Anishinaabe), Operations Director, Lead on Indigenous Feminisms, Indigenous Environmental Network
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Why Connections Matter: (invited) Leah Thomas, Founder and Board Chair, Intersectional Environmentalist
Share Your Stories
We want to hear from you!
How is democracy essential for climate action and protecting your community?
Share your work and why preserving democracy is key to a sustainable future. Record a short video telling us how democracy drives climate solutions and strengthens your community!
Post your story on Instagram and tag us
@humanimpactsinstitute @thirteenwnet #readytovote2024 #democracyandclimate
Your work may be featured as part of our Voices for Change series! Because we know your voice matters and your vote matters for our climate and our communities!
PARTNERS
About the Human Impacts Institute
The Human Impacts Institute is dedicated to empowering communities to understand and tackle the interconnected challenges of climate change and social justice. Through innovative programs, creative engagement, and collaborative initiatives, the Institute promotes sustainability and resilience. It focuses on amplifying diverse voices, especially those from frontline communities, to drive meaningful climate action and foster a more equitable future.
About the Preserving Democracy Program
The Preserving Democracy program of WNET/PBS aims to safeguard democratic values and practices in the face of growing challenges. It emphasizes the importance of civic engagement, public discourse, and grassroots activism as essential components of a healthy democracy. By bringing together diverse perspectives and fostering dialogue, this program seeks to strengthen community ties and ensure that all voices are heard in decision-making processes.