08/26/2021
The National Institute of Drug Abuse in partnership with weRnative.org is seeking entries for I Strengthen My Nation: American Indian and Alaska Native Community Projects Created by Youth to Stand Against Substance Misuse. There is an art contest with $500 cash prizes and a $10,000 challenge to conduct a community intervention to build resilience and strength - such as forming or supporting a young people’s dance group.
The first round of submissions has closed but another round is being conducted with a second due date of December 10th, 2021.
NIDA is particularly seeking to get entries to this more complicated challenge. It is a heavier lift, requiring a written plan with a budget and a video. It will likely require either the help of an adult on planning, or a slightly older group. The idea is to have youth groups in schools or in some other venue with adult support might take this on as a group project. There is a lot of money on the table with up to $10,000 per award. Project ideas could range from forming a dance group or expanding current activities of a group, starting a tutoring program, or art club to hosting cultural field trips, family activities, etc. NIDA will consider anything that is submitted, as long as it has heart!
NIDA is also seeking additional entries in the art category. You can see what has been submitted here. Note that the written statement is as important as the art.
It is best to apply through NIDA’s partner site weRnative.org:
https://www.wernative.org/contest
https://www.wernative.org/nida-art-contest-application
https://www.wernative.org/nida-community-project-application
All entries submitted by the original submission date of July 7th, 2021 will be assessed during Round One Judging in July 2021, and all other entries will be assessed in Round Two Judging in January 2022.