LAUNCH OF THE SECOND ANNUAL DEMOCRACY VIDEO CHALLENGE
WHAT OUR PARTNERS ARE SAYING ABOUT THE WINNERS
The Center for International Private Enterprise
“The Center for International Private Enterprise is pleased to continue its partnership in the 2nd Democracy Video Challenge. The first Challenge engaged hundreds of new voices in the democratic process of reform and can now bring even more voices to the discussion of ‘Democracy Is….’” - John D. Sullivan, Executive Director, Center for International Private Enterprise
International Youth Foundation
“We are pleased to be a partner again, as IYF really believes young people are leading change right in front of our eyes. Today’s teenagers and 20-somethings will be the majority of their country’s leaders, voters and civic activists from 2020-2070. Tomorrow’s leaders? YES, and yet so many young social entrepreneurs are leading today, creating community-based organizations and movements across the globe. The Democracy Video Challenge is their opportunity to define their vision of what democracy is, and can be for this century.” - William Reese, President and Chief Executive Officer International Youth Foundation
International Republican Institute
“IRI is proud to partner with the State Department and other democracy, government, academic and film leaders to host the 2010 Democracy Video Challenge. The energy and creativity represented in the entries reminds us of the importance of democracy in opening communication and fostering international dialogue. We look forward to another successful year of entries that reflect this passion and dedication to democracy worldwide.” - Lorne W. Craner, President of the International Republican Institute
Motion Picture Association of America
“The Motion Picture Association of America is honored to be a partner in the second annual Democracy Video Challenge, which gives young filmmakers from around the world a unique opportunity to share their voices and creativity. Movies are powerful vehicles for political and cultural expression, and the MPAA is pleased to encourage and promote the global perspectives of these emerging creators.” – Dan Glickman, Chairman and CEO, Motion Picture Association of America
National Democratic Institute
“NDI is pleased to be part of the Democracy Video Challenge, which encourages citizens around the world use new media to share experiences and ideas. In this growing interconnected world, initiatives such as this can help advance popular political participation. We believe it is important to support such innovative approaches to promoting and facilitating democratic dialogue across the globe.” - Kenneth Wollack, President of the National Democratic Institute
New York University
“Art is meant to engage us, not merely distract us, and needs a robust democracy for it to thrive. Artists everywhere have a civic obligation to speak up fearlessly and courageously on issues, regardless of how difficult they might be. The Tisch School of the Arts has had a long history of producing such individuals. We are privileged, once again, to be a partner in the Democracy Video Challenge.” - Mary Schmidt Campbell, Dean Tisch School of the Arts, New York University
NBC Universal
"NBC Universal is proud to continue as the exclusive media partner for the Democracy Video Challenge and to be a part of this exciting forum that encourages and embraces a global dialogue about democracy. It is an inspiring way to celebrate freedom and diversity and we look forward to seeing what this year’s participants have to say and how they will say it.” - Paula Madison, Executive Vice President, Chief Diversity Officer, NBC Universal
Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA)
“The Democracy Video Challenge is a wonderful platform for tomorrow’s leaders to think creatively about what a free, democratic society means to them. Just as we support and defend musicians who express and share their lives through song, we commend artists who choose film as their medium to awaken us to their ideas about our shared global space. We look forward to viewing the 2010 video cycle and wish every participant the best of luck.” - Mitch Bainwol. Chairmen & CEO, Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA)
TakingITGlobal
“Democracy in the digital age is enabled by the technologies we have available to us. Democracy on the internet is about opening the conversation to everyone as a basic human right. It's our world, you should have your say.” - Jennifer Corriero. Co-founder & Executive Director of TakingITGlobal
USC Annenberg School for Communication
“For our communication, journalism and public relations students, the critical role of democracy is at the heart of their studies, the service projects in which they are engaged and their future. Without communication there is no democracy, and vice versa. This annual competition provides an innovative outlet for young people to tell their stories and affect change and increase the likelihood of democracy’s spread. We are pleased to partner with The Democracy Video Challenge to encourage and enhance dialogue on this topic from voices around the world.” - Ernest J. Wilson III, Dean and Walter Annenberg Chair in Communication, USC Annenberg School for Communication
US Department of State
“President Obama and Secretary Clinton have both underscored the importance of listening to what others think, and the Democracy Video Challenge provides us a platform to do just that. Using the Internet and new media technologies, we have an unprecedented opportunity to convene a global dialogue about the important issues that shape our world. The State Department is excited to be part of a partnership that uses these tools to promote a discussion about the meaning democracy for people around the world.” - Judith A. McHale, Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs
