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May the 4Rs Be With You Art & Storytelling Contest

Calling all Action Heroes and Ambassadors! 

Be part of the (Re)Generation and explore - what are your 4Rs?

Join youth and families across Alameda County in sharing your stories of action and connection that represents how you are part of the (Re)Generation, taking collective action to co-create the thriving, irresistible future we dream for ourselves and our communities. Through any storytelling medium that you choose i.e. video, photography, illustration, written or oral stories, and more - showcase how you use the 4Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle & Rot) or come up with your own "R" actions to inspire others.  

Do you educate your school community or your family on how to sort properly? Do you make sure your waste makes it into a bin and doesn't end up as litter? How do you take action upstream and not create waste in the first place?

Creatively share your action story!

Need inspiration? We encourage you to: 

We are no longer accepting submissions to the 2024 contest. If you have any questions, reach out to schools@stopwaste.org.

Submission Criteria 

  • Highlight how you take action to reduce or prevent waste. Your artist statement is just as important as your art!
  • Build on the popularity of May the 4th – May the 4Rs Be With You – Star Wars reference or choose your own fun theme!  
  • Promote environmental awareness of the 4Rs or choose your own “R”s that spotlight upstream solutions to preventing waste in the first place. 
  • Showcase yourself and how you are part of the (Re)Generation – a collective identity for people committed to rebuilding a regenerative earth.  
  • Get creative and share your story in any medium you choose in visual arts, performing arts, literary arts, culinary arts, and more! 
  • All participants must sign a photo release and maintain appropriate school media guidelines. 
  • Multiple submissions in all categories are allowed. 
  • Individuals can submit an entry even if they are also included in a separate group entry.  
  • An individual is defined as one single person submitting an entry.
  • A group is defined by a class, family or club with one mail point of contact acting as a main liaison.
  • Usage of copyrighted material is prohibited.

Judging Criteria 

  • You will not be judged on whether or not you choose to incorporate a Star Wars theme. 
  • Telling the story of why you chose your 4Rs is as important as the art piece you submit. 
  • We strongly encourage participants to consider the highest and best use of chosen materials and give a second life to materials or items that are already heading to the landfill.  

Winning Categories 

  • Reuse Art like transforming found objects into art, etc.
  • Visual Art like illustrations, comic books, photography, etc.
  • Performing Arts like songs, skits, etc.
  • Creative Writing like spoken word, poetry, creative or persuasive essays, etc.
  • Mixed Media like a collage, board game, etc.

Awards will be given to both individuals and groups in four age-based categories – elementary, middle, high school & adult. 

Individual: 

Elementary School Youth 

$150 first place 

$100 second place 

$50 third place 

Middle School Youth 

$150 first place 

$100 second place 

$50 third place 

High School Youth 

$150 first place 

$100 second place 

$50 third place 

Adult/Partner Organization 

$150 first place 

$100 second place 

$50 third place 

 

Group: 

Elementary School Youth 

$200 first place 

$150 second place 

$100 third place 

Middle School Youth 

$200 first place 

$150 second place 

$100 third place 

High School Youth 

$200 first place 

$150 second place 

$100 third place 

Adult/Partner Organization 

$200 first place 

$150 second place 

$100 third place 

 

Overall grand prize: $300 
 

About Photo Releases & StopWaste Use of Submissions 

All participants shown in the submitted post must also submit a signed photo release. Students, even if they are over 18 years of age, must still submit a photo release form signed by their parent/guardian. Family members & non-students may be included in the post so long as they also submit a signed photo release.

Download the photo release form - English

Download the photo release form - Spanish

*Participants understand that winning and non-winning submissions may be used by StopWaste. 
 

To Enter the Contest 

Step 1: Complete and upload your submission form online. 
If you have trouble uploading your submission(s), contact us at Schools@StopWaste.org.

Step 2: Download and fill out the photo release form and upload it along with your submission form. 
If you have trouble uploading your photo release form, you can email it to Schools@StopWaste.org.

We are no longer accepting submissions to the 2024 contest. If you have any questions, reach out to schools@stopwaste.org.

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