"A Step in the Right Direction"

Window Display Contest

Chico Peace and Justice Center Presents:

The Chico Peace and Justice Center is sponsoring its second annual window display contest focusing on the theme "What is the right direction?" Nonprofit and social service organizations are invited to explain their vision of needed actions for peace and justice with a display that will appear for a week in the center's window some time in the fall.

According to the latest Ipsos Public Affairs survey, 77% of Americans believe that our country is "on the wrong track". As we head into the final months of the presidential campaign, the Chico Peace and Justice Center wants to ask, "What is the right direction?"

In Butte County, many organizations are working to make change, whether it's about the environment, social issues, or even economic concerns. Which direction does your organization want to take? We invite all Butte County organizations to consider participating, and to share with us, using the medium of a window display, your top single priority that will move us from the wrong track so we are heading in the right direction.

Beginning in September, each contestant will create a window display that gives us an opportunity to see what "A step in the right direction" looks like. Each week from September 21st until November 15th, contestants will have one week to exhibit their vision. The contest winner will have their display reassembled in time for the "Christmas Preview" on Sunday, November 23rd and honored during a holiday celebration.

To become a contestant, an application must be received by Friday, September 12th at 5pm. Eight organizations will be chosen to participate based on our desire to create a diverse pool of contestants. Applications are available at the Chico Peace and Justice Center or can be download from our website (www.chico-peace.org).

Prizes: The winner's vision will be reassembled during "Christmas Preview" in downtown Chico, and the organization will receive one year of free advertising in our Peaceful Action newsletter (valued at $200). All contestants will be invited to a celebration honoring the work of all organizations involved.

Contest Rules:

1. All community organizations and clubs within Butte County are welcome to apply to become contestants in the "A Step in the Right Direction," Window Display Contest.

2. An application to participate in the contest must be received by Friday, September 12th, 2008 at 5pm at 526 Broadway. Please note the application must be received by the deadline and postmarks will not be honored.

3. Applications can be picked up at the Chico Peace and Justice Center or downloaded from the website (www.chico-peace.org).

4. Eight organizations will be chosen to participate based on our desire to create a diverse pool of contestants.

5. Chosen contestants will be notified by Monday, September 15th, 2008 by phone. The schedule of displays will also be posted at that time and the first contestant must be ready to assemble its exhibit by Monday, September 22nd.

6. Each display must be installed on the designated Monday between noon and 6pm, and disassembled between noon and 3pm on the following Saturday. Special arrangements can be made.

7. Contestants will provide all window materials. Existing window fixtures (such as overhead lighting) cannot be removed.

8. Window Display guidelines:

(a) Each display should be a positive vision.

(b) Symbols of violence (e.g. guns) should be avoided.

(c) Each display must include the name of the organization and its mission statement.

Judging

A distinguished panel of community leaders will judge the window displays based on the following guidelines:

I. Content

A. Does the display demonstrate a way to move this country to the right direction?

B. How useful/practical/well-developed is the vision?

C. Does the display address the current theme, "A step in the right direction"?

II. Style

A. Is the display original and interesting?

B. Does the display show conviction?

C. Does the personality of the group shine through?

III. Clarity of Expression

A. Are the ideas clearly illustrated?

B. Is the display well organized?

C. Visually, does the display spark the viewers' imagination?

Notification of Winner

Winner will be notified by Sunday, November 16th and the winning display should be reassembled during the week leading up to the "Christmas Preview" on Sunday, November 23rd.