Aging Initiative

1. What is the Rachel Carson Intergenerational Sense of Wonder Contest?

   The U.S. EPA, Generations United, The Dance Exchange, National Center for Creative Aging, the Legacy Project and the Rachel Carson Council, Inc., announce a poetry, essay, photography, song and dance contest "that best expresses the Sense of Wonder that you feel for the sea, the night sky, forests, birds, wildlife, and all that is beautiful to your eyes." We want you to share this love of nature with someone from an older generation or someone younger. When we teach our eyes and ears and senses to focus on the wonders of nature, we open ourselves to the wonders around us.
   
   Entries need to be by a team of at least 2 people from different generations. Teams can be of people who are related or not related to one another.
   

2. Where should I send our intergenerational poetry and/or essay entries?
   

   You mail copies of the poems or essays to
   
   Rachel Carson Intergenerational Contest
   U.S. EPA
   Attn: Kathy Sykes,
   Office of Research and Development
   1300 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Room 41284
   Washington, DC 20460
   
   Or send electronic copies
   
   Please include in the Subject box Rachel Carson Contest: Essay, Photography, Poetry, Mixed Media, Song, or Dance Video

3. Where should I send our intergenerational digital photo entry?
   

   Please send your photo entry electronically

   What other Information should I include in our entry

4. Rachel Carson Contest entry form, fill and print (PDF) (2pp, 232K, About PDF)

5. Is there a word or page limit on the poem or essay?

   Yes. Maximum is 500 words, about 2 pages

6. Is there a size limit on the photo entry?

   No, there is no size limit. Please send one photo per team.

7. Who retains the rights to the poem, essay, photograph, or video?

   There will be captions under each entry that include the first names of the intergenerational team. The team will retain their rights to use the item for other purposes.

   If you include in your entry work created by another person -- for example, copyrighted music or images -- please note that you may need to obtain permission to do so from that person.

8. Where do I send our dance or song video and how long can it be?

Videos should be shorter than 4 minutes. If you are submitting a video for the contest, please post your video to your own youtube channel and then send an email.

Here are directions on how to create your own channel.  

Be sure to complete the Rachel Carson Contest entry form, fill and print (PDF) (2pp, 232K, About PDF)


9. What do the winners receive?

   The winners will be posted on the US EPA website and will receive a certificate from the EPA.

10. If I still have questions who should I contact?

    If you have further questions please contact Kathy Sykes at (202) 564-3651. Or you may send an email.

11. Can entries come from outside the US, for example Canada?

    Yes.

12. Does the photo entry require the presence of an older adult and a child?

    No. The photo can be of nature and not people. However, the entry must include an explanation of how the project was an intergenerational project.

13. Can a team take a photograph and then write an essay or poem about the photo?

    Yes. The team can have an entry that combines a photo with an essay or poem.

14. What is the maximum amount of time allowed for the dance or song video?
    

    Four minutes.

15. Who gets to Dance?
    

    Dance video entries are not limited to the moving body. You can use live performers and/ or capture movement and change visible in nature: birds landing, trees shaking in a storm, a river flowing...Experienced and first time dancers and video makers are encouraged to participate.

16. Where is the Dance Happening?
    

    Take your cameras outside to capture the sense of wonder you see, experience, and move through in nature. You might capture your own back yard, a favorite spot in your community, or place you have traveled to for an outdoor adventure.

    For further questions about dance video entries please contact Cassie Meador

17. When are the 2013 submission for the contest due?

    Submissions are due June 10, 2013.

18. Can EPA or other federal employees enter the contest?
    
    Yes, anyone may enter the contest.