• How to Start and Grow a Think Tank
• Grassroots Leadership Guide to K-12 Education Reform
  • Prologue
  • Decide What Type of Organization You Want to Become
  • Building and Maintaining an Effective Board
  • Get Things Up and Running
  • Legal Reference Material
  • Organize Your Staff and Volunteers
  • Examples of Programs and Operational Materials
  • Building Coalitions
  • Getting Your Message Out/Media Relations
    • Overview
    • Frequently Asked Questions About Education Choice
    • Sample School Choice Key Messages
    • Field Guide for Effective Communication
    • The 90:10 Rule: Why Marketing Matters & Some Great Books to Help your Organization Marketing Effectively
    • Essay Competitions
  • Talking with Legislators
  • Raising Money
  • History of School Choice
  • Education Reform Research and Resources
  • Resources
• Taking Donors Seriously
• Fundraising Fundamentals

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Essay Competitions

In 2006, the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs held its seventh annual Citizenship Essay Contest for high school students enrolled in their senior year of an Oklahoma public, private, or home school. Cash prizes totaling $12,000 were awarded for the best essays on the following question, "Given the state of Social Security today, where do you see the system in thirty years? What, if any, changes need to be made?"

The Grassroot Institute of Hawaii has an existing essay competition for high school and college students, the Trimble Liberty Awards, which rewards essays on various liberty and free market topics.

Much like a debate program, an essay competition for high school students provides a good vehicle for introducing young people to the principles of liberty and other like-minded organizations. Such a project helps shine more favorable light on your organization. Further, an essay competition is likely to qualify for free advertising in the form of radio and/or TV public service announcements. Finally, it is a program that is a positive sell to potential donors.

For more information about an essay competition, visit www.ocpathink.org or call the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs at (405) 602-1667. To learn more about the Grassroot Institute's program, visit www.grassrootinstitute.org or phone (808) 864-1776.