IGNITE Change

Something I learned a little while ago was that you can create just about anything from being a little curious, a little committed, and very, very passionate.  So my Leah and I were talking over breakfast one day, thinking of what we want to do in life.  The problems we see; the things we want to change.  We started talking about how writing can empower people, can change lives, and how many good examples of fabulous writers there are just around Boston.  How good an example that would be for the kids that don't have the confidence to express themselves in words.

We came up with this idea to organize an essay contest. An essay contest where young women in particular could take the chance to use their words, develop their voice, and use it to create and inspire change in the world around them.

That's what IGNITE is: Inspiring Girls with New Ideas and Teaching Empowerment.

Basically, Leah and I are now scrambling to get everything organized and everyone involved.  I'm kind of nervous about it--this is the first time I've taken the reins on anything like this and though I'm curious to see where it can lead, I'm also humble about my own capabilities, so we'll see.

It does mean, of course, that if anyone wants to help out, I'll be more than happy to have the help!

Basically, I'm still looking for:

• Anything to be donated as prizes, from signed books to gift certificates to money


• Panelists!  I'm looking for YA authors in particular, and I have a list that I'm in the process of emailing personally, but hey, if you see this and want to volunteer, email me at acgaughen@gmail.com!

Below are the details.....spread the word.  ;-)

Great change will always come from small beginnings.
A tsunami was once a tiny tremble on the ocean floor, a revolution was once a single thought in a person’s mind, and the most massive bonfire started with a tiny spark.  Think of that for a moment.  A thin, weak match, nothing but a splinter to the tree that it came from, hit the right amount of friction and it ignited.  The match flared; fire began.

The thing about fire is that it catches.  One flame, one single spark, can itself ignite the world.

All around you, there are examples of women who have used their voices to change the world.  From Abigail Adams, a Boston native who insisted that women be remembered as the Declaration and Constitution were being drafted to Ida B. Wells Barnett, a newspaperwoman that founded the NAACP and her friend Jane Addams who was the first woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize.  Sometimes, the simple act of writing can be the most incendiary thing of all.

The question is, what kind of flame could you ignite?  What is your spark?

Tell us, in 1500 words or less, what you would do if you could change anything in your school, community, or city.  It can be a massive change or a small one, a bonfire or a spark, as long as you can answer the following questions:  What is needed to put this plan into action?  What kind of effect do you think it would have?  What makes it an important change?  What kind of obstacles would your plan face?

The GLOW Boston IGNITE Change Essay Contest will be judged on the creativity, clarity, impact and effectiveness of your idea to create change in your community.   Spelling and grammar will not play a part in the judging process, however remember that no matter how it is accomplished, your idea must be clearly expressed.  All entries must be in English and submitted to a teacher or directly to the contest organizers on or before December 23, 2010.

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[...] fortunately, I do have something to keep me occupied–the Ignite Change contest–and amazingly, people are so getting into it!  I’m always impressed by [...]

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[...] and writers as well.  If you know an organization that might be interested in the contest (which I first blogged about HERE), shoot me an email at acgaughen@gmail.com.  I would REALLY appreciate [...]