2010 Uplifting a Diverse World:
Making Our Space a Better Place
Student Essay Competition with Cash Prizes
Chatham County
Human Relations Commission
2010 Uplifting a Diverse World: Make Our Space a Better Place Student Essay Competition
In Partnership With
&
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2010 Uplifting a Diverse World: Make Our Space a Better Place Student Essay Competition
In Honor Of
2010 Margie E. Ellison
Human Relations Month
&
2010 Margaret B. Pollard
Celebrating Service Awards
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2010 Uplifting a Diverse World: Make Our Space a Better Place Student Essay Competition
Contents
Entry Guidelines
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Curriculum Connections
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Resources for Teaching about Diversity and Tolerance
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Quote Bank — Teaching Prompts and Student Inspiration
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2010 Student Entry Form
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2010 Uplifting a Diverse World: Make Our Space a Better Place Student Essay Competition
Entry Guidelines
INTRODUCTION
The Uplifting a Diverse World: Making Our Space a Better Place student competitions are
sponsored by the Chatham County Human Relations Commission in cooperation with various
businesses and/or agencies. For 2010, the competition is an essay competition designed to
challenge students in grades 3 through 12 to take personal responsibility in the environmental and
social justice areas. The winners of this first annual competition will be announced in February
during Margie E. Ellison Human Relations Month, and they will be recognized at a special
ceremony.
The 2010 Uplifting A Diverse World: Making Our Space a Better Place Essay Competition is
modeled on the Maltz Museum’s Youth Speak Out! Essay Contest and does the following:
• promotes discussion among students about various forms of environmental and social
justice and how they can make their world a better place
• strengthens students’ problem‐solving and writing skills while emphasizing empathy and
compassion
• provides students with practice in preparing for the written portion of SAT/ACT exams and
college application essays
• encourages participatory learning and cultural competence
• addresses National Content Standards and North Carolina Standard Course of Study Goals
ABOUT THE CHATHAM COUNTY HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
The mission of the HRC is to actively promote amicable relations and mutual respect among all
groups within Chatham County and to discourage all manner and manifestation of discriminatory
practices toward such groups, thus enhancing the general welfare of this community. It is the goal
of the HRC to facilitate the prevention and/or resolution of problems in areas affecting the human
relations of all citizens residing, working, or trading in Chatham County.
JUSTICE DEFINITIONS
Justice: a set of universal principles that guide people in judging what is right and what is wrong,
no matter what culture and society they live in
Justice: the concept of moral rightness based on ethics, rationality, law, natural law, belief systems,
fairness, or equity
Injustice: a violation of rights such as civil and human rights
Injustice: the lack of or opposition to justice, either in reference to a particular event or act, or as a
larger status quo — Injustice can be perceived as being "unfair."
Environmental justice: the right to a safe, healthy, and sustainable environment for all
Environmental justice: fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race,
color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and
enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies
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2010 Uplifting a Diverse World: Make Our Space a Better Place Student Essay Competition
JUSTICE DEFINITIONS CONTINUED
Environmental justice: inequitable environmental burdens born by groups such as racial
minorities, women, residents of economically disadvantaged areas, or residents of developing
nations — Environmental justice proponents generally view the environment as encompassing
"where we live, work, and play" (sometimes "learn" is also included) and seek to redress
inequitable distributions of environmental burdens (pollution, industrial facilities, crime, etc.) and
equitably distribute access to environmental goods such as nutritious food, clean air and water,
parks, recreation, health care, education, transportation, safe jobs, etc.
Environmental justice: equal and fair access to a healthy environment; equal enforcement of
environmental regulations; and a movement to protect communities of color and poor communities
from environmental hazards
Social justice: sometimes called civil justice, refers to the concept of a society in which justice is
achieved in every aspect of society, rather than merely the administration of law
Social justice: fair and proper administration of laws conforming to the natural law that all
persons, irrespective of ethnic origin, gender, possessions, race, religion, etc., are to be treated
equally and without prejudice
COMPETITION THEMES/PROMPTS
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Grades 3, 4, & 5 Theme/Prompt: Write a page or less beginning your essay with this sentence
starter: I would make the world a better place by…
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Grades 6, 7, & 8 Theme/Prompt: Select a quote from the Quote Bank beginning on page 12 or
find your own quote from another source. Place the quote before your essay at the top of the
page. And then write your essay beginning with: I would make the world a better place by…
(Your essay should be relevant to the quote you selected.)
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Grades 9, 10, 11, & 12 Theme/Prompt: Select a quote from the Quote Bank beginning on page
12 or find your own quote from another source. Place the quote before your essay at the top of
the page. And then write your essay to address these questions: How will you make the world
better and become an agent of change? In other words, how will you become part of the
solution? (Your essay should be relevant to the quote you selected.)
Essays at the high school level must address three components:
1. Describe an act of injustice, either environmental or social injustice. Have you or someone
you know been subjected to an environmental or social injustice?
2. Reflect upon your response to the injustice. Were you disturbed by the injustice? What did
you feel and/or do about what you experienced, saw, or heard?
3. Commit to a plan of action. As a result, what have you done already and/or what will you
commit to doing in the future to affect change in you, your school, and/or community? How
will you implement your plan of action?
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2010 Uplifting a Diverse World: Make Our Space a Better Place Student Essay Competition
ELIGIBILITY
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The competition is open to all students under the age of 19 in Chatham County.
Students may attend a public, private, religious, charter school, or home‐school.
There is only one entry per student; there are no group projects.
ESSAY REQUIREMENTS
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Entries must be accompanied by the Official Entry Form — available online at
http://www.chathamnc.org/Index.aspx?page=902.
Essays must address the competition themes.
Entries are limited to 500 words at the elementary school level and 1000 words, doublespaced at the middle and high school levels; every word of the essay is counted with the
exception of any bibliography and/or footnotes; please DO NOT title your essay.
Essays must be original student work and free of plagiarism; quotations or copyrighted
material used in the essay must be identified properly using MLA or similar standards.
Failure to identify non‐original material or plagiarism will result in disqualification.
Entries must be typed, double‐spaced, 12‐point type, with one inch margins. No
hand‐written entries will be accepted.
Do not use script, italicized, bold‐faced, or decorative fonts; and do not include graphics or
photographs.
DO NOT use the real name of any actual person known to you; use a pseudonym in the first
usage, such as “John, not his real name.”
Entries that are incomplete, submitted after the deadline, or do not comply with
competition guidelines will not be accepted.
The competition sponsors are not responsible for lost, late, misdirected, or delayed
entries, whether caused by mail/other delivery systems or human error, which may occur
in the processing of entries to this contest; or any problems/technical malfunctions of any
computer equipment or software by either the applicant or the competition sponsors.
All entries become the property of the Chatham County Human Relations Commission,
including the right to reproduce the essay or portions thereof in any promotional, reference,
research, or official business materials without limitation. Entries will not be returned.
The Chatham County Human Relations Commission and competition sponsors reserve the
right to reproduce the images of competition winners in any promotional, reference,
research, or official business materials without limitation.
The Chatham County Human Relations Commission reserves the right to cancel, modify, or
delay the competition.
CASH PRIZES AND CHARITY DESIGNATIONS
High School Winners
• Grades 9, 10, 11, & 12 Winners Prizes — $100 per winner
Middle School Winners
• Grades 6, 7, & 8 Winners Prizes — $100 per winner
Elementary School Winners
• Grades 3, 4, & 5 Winners Prizes — $100 per winner
At least twenty percent of each award will be designated for the winner’s charity of choice from a
recommended list of Chatham County charities and non-profits.
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2010 Uplifting a Diverse World: Make Our Space a Better Place Student Essay Competition
DIRECTIONS FOR ENTERING
Entries must be received by mail or hand‐delivered by 12 Noon on February 26, 2010. Late
entries will not be accepted.
You can download the entry form at http://www.chathamnc.org/Index.aspx?page=902, or you can
call 919-545-8393 to request an entry form. Entry forms will also be available at the Chatham
County Manager’s Office and in all school offices.
Entry Deadline — February 26, 2010 — Late entries will not be accepted.
To enter by mail or hand delivery:
• Request an entry form and competition rules from your teacher. Complete and attach the entry
form to your essay. Give your essay and the entry form to your teacher OR
• Mail or hand deliver your essay and the entry form to:
Chatham County Office of Human Relations, Chatham County Manager’s Office, PO Box
1809, 12 East Street, Pittsboro, NC, 27312.
SCORING AND DETERMINING WINNERS
How Entries Are Scored:
• Entries at the elementary school level are scored based on the essay sentence starter.
• Entries at the middle school level are scored based on the essay starter, relevance to the
selected quote, originality/creativity, and writing style/presentation.
• Entries at the high school level are scored on relevance to the selected quote, how the
questions are answered, the three required components of the essay, integration of the
theme of personal responsibility, originality/creativity, student commitment to a plan of
action, and writing style/presentation.
• All entries are scored using a prescribed rubric.
• Readers score each essay using a numerical points scale.
Winners are determined by the highest number of points. The scoring committee and the Human
Relations Commission reserve the right to make all decisions and evaluations regarding scoring and
the determining of winners based on the established rubric and other evaluative devices. Their
evaluations are not contestable.
THE AWARDS CEREMONY
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Essay competition winners will be invited to a special Awards Ceremony where specific
prizes will be announced, and students will be honored for their achievements.
Only the winners will be contacted with information about the Awards Ceremony.
Communicating your ideas to others is an important part of being an agent of change; so,
winners may be asked to read their essays.
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2010 Uplifting a Diverse World: Make Our Space a Better Place Student Essay Competition
DISCLAIMER
The administration of the competition, including, without limitation, determining the eligibility of a
student or essay, selecting of a reader or judge, evaluating any submitted essay, and awarding of the
prizes is within the sole and absolute discretion of the Chatham County Human Relations
Commission. No student or teacher, or person or organization related thereto, has a right to appeal,
contest, dispute, or otherwise challenge any aspect of the administration of the competition, and
any decision of the Chatham County Human Relations Commission is final in all respects.
NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY
In administering the Competition, the Chatham County Human Relations Commission will not
discriminate in any manner, including on the basis of race, religion, national or ethnic origin; and
each eligible essay will be evaluated upon the merit of its contents as described in this document
and against a prescribed rubric.
TIMELINE
January 19 – Principals Meeting
January 25 – Entry Submissions Begin
February 26 – Entry Deadline
Week of March 1-5 – Committee Evaluates Essays
Week of March 8-12 – Winners Notified
March 25 – Awards Ceremony
SOURCES
The Maltz Museum’s Youth Speak Out! Essay Contest rules
The Center for Economic and Social Justice - www.cesj.org
Environmental Justice by Tee L. Guidotti, The George Washington University
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Justice
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Economic_justice
Merriam-Webster’s Online Dictionary
Who is Responsible for a Just Society? by Tim Hatcher, NC State University
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2010 Uplifting a Diverse World: Make Our Space a Better Place Student Essay Competition
Curriculum Connections
Participating in the Uplifting a Diverse World: Making Our Space a Better Place competition
addresses the following National Content Standards:
THE NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR SOCIAL STUDIES (NCSS)
Standard II: Social studies programs should include experiences that provide for the study of the
ways human beings view themselves in and over time.
Standard IV: Social studies programs should include experiences that provide for the study of
individual development and identity.
Standard VI: Social studies programs should include experiences that provide for the study of how
people create and change structures of power, authority, and governance.
Standard X: Social studies programs should include experiences that provide for the study of
ideals, principles, and practices of citizenship in a democratic republic.
THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF TEACHERS OF ENGLISH (NCTE)
Standard 4: Students adjust their use of spoken, written, and visual language (e.g., conventions,
style, and vocabulary) to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences and for different
purposes.
Standard 5: Students employ a wide range of strategies as they write and use different writing
process elements appropriately to communicate with different audiences for a variety of purposes.
Standard 6: Students apply knowledge of language structure, language conventions (e.g., spelling
and punctuation), media techniques, figurative language, and genre to create, critique, and discuss
print and non‐print texts.
Standard 7: Students conduct research on issues and interests by generating ideas and questions,
and by posing problems. They gather, evaluate, and synthesize data from a variety of sources (e.g.,
print and non-print texts, artifacts, and people) to communicate their discoveries in ways that suit
their purpose and audience.
Standard 12: Students use spoken, written, and visual language to accomplish their own purposes
(e.g., for learning, enjoyment, persuasion, and the exchange of information).
THE NORTH CAROLINA STANDARD COURSE OF STUDY (SOCIAL STUDIES)
THIRD GRADE: Third graders are ready to learn about historical and contemporary people who
made a difference. Students are introduced to people of various races, cultures, and regions who
have made a positive contribution to society. Students study people of diverse groups, their
cultures, religions, traditions, and contributions to the community.
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2010 Uplifting a Diverse World: Make Our Space a Better Place Student Essay Competition
THE NORTH CAROLINA STANDARD COURSE OF STUDY CONTINUED
FOURTH GRADE: Fourth grade introduces the first formal study of North Carolina, its ethnic
diversity, its rich culture, the economic energy of its people, and its geographical regions. Fourth
grade students proceed from the study of individuals who make a difference in their communities
and the world to a study of North Carolina. They study the land and its people analyzing the diverse
groups that have contributed to the development of North Carolina beginning with the American
Indians up to the revolutionary period. Additionally, students have the opportunity to draw
parallels between contemporary issues and their historical origins.
FIFTH GRADE: Fifth grade presents the development of the United States from colonial…includes
an introduction to the basic documents of the United Rights, along with the central concepts
embedded in democracy. Students learn about the diverse influences of ethnic groups across North
America. These include the contributions in the economic, political, scientific, technological, and
cultural arenas. The fifth grade study extends the focus to geographic regions of the United States,
Canada, Mexico, and Central America. Students learn about the people of these nations and the
physical environments in which they live. As they examine social, economic, and political
institutions, students analyze similarities and differences among societies. Concepts for this study
are drawn from history and the social sciences, but the primary discipline is cultural geography.
SIXTH GRADE: The learner will assess the influence and contributions of individuals and cultural
groups...
SEVENTH GRADE: The focus for seventh grade is on the continued development of knowledge and
skills acquired in the fourth, fifth, and sixth grade studies of North Carolina, the United States,
Europe, and South America…The learner will recognize the common characteristics of different
cultures...
EIGHTH GRADE NORTH CAROLINA: The learner will explore examples of and opportunities for
active citizenship, past and present, at the local and state levels. They will describe opportunities
for and benefits of civic participation.
NINTH GRADE WORLD HISTORY: World History at the ninth grade level is a survey course that
gives students the opportunity to explore recurring themes of human experience common to
civilizations around the globe from ancient to contemporary times.
TENTH GRADE CIVICS: Through the study of Civics and Economics, students will acquire the skills
and knowledge necessary to become responsible and effective citizens in an interdependent world.
ELEVENTH GRADE UNITED STATES HISTORY: The focus of this course provides students with a
framework for studying political, social, economic, and cultural issues, and for analyzing the impact
these issues have had on American society.
AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDIES: African Americans have made significant contributions to the
economic, political, social, and cultural development of the United States. Through this course,
students discover how African Americans have always been an integral part of the American
experience. However, African Americans have also been a viable force unto themselves with their
own experiences, culture, and aspirations. African American history cannot be understood except
in the broader context of United States history.
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2010 Uplifting a Diverse World: Make Our Space a Better Place Student Essay Competition
THE NORTH CAROLINA STANDARD COURSE OF STUDY CONTINUED
AMERICAN INDIAN STUDIES: American Indian Studies introduces students to the diverse history
and culture of American Indians, beginning with life prior to Columbus’ arrival in America.
Important issues American Indians have faced from prehistoric societies to present-day
contemporary society are discussed. Students immerse themselves in America’s oldest and
continuous civilizations and cultures with a focus on American Indians of North Carolina.
LATINO AMERICAN STUDIES: Latino American Studies introduces students to the diverse history
and culture of Latin American and Latino Americans, beginning with life prior to Columbus’ arrival
in America to contemporary life in the United States and North Carolina. Important issues from
prehistoric societies to present-day contemporary society are discussed. Students immerse
themselves in the Western Hemisphere’s oldest civilizations and cultures, and also focus on Latino
Americans in North Carolina.
SOCIOLOGY: Sociology is designed to give students the tools necessary to concentrate on the
systematic study of human society and human interaction. Students will develop a sociological
imagination in which they will observe the connections between their personal lives within society,
as well as public policy issues. Using observation, the scientific method, and cross-cultural
examination, students will discover how patterns of behavior develop, culture is learned, and social
predictions are made.
Resources for Teaching about Diversity and Tolerance
http://www.diversitycouncil.org/activities.shtml
Links to many different sites offering lesson plans on diversity and tolerance
http://www.adl.org/education/curriculum_connections/
Outstanding lesson plans and resources that help K-12 educators integrate multicultural,
anti-bias, and social justice themes into their curricula
http://www.educationworld.com/a_lesson/
Lesson plans created by teachers for teachers
http://www.facinghistory.org/resources/lessons_units
Lesson plans and other resources for addressing complex issues in the classroom
http://www.tolerance.org/activities
Exceptional activities from the Southern Poverty Law Center
http://justchoices.com/
Strategies to encourage grade 6-12 students to understand social justice movements
http://www.maltzmuseum.org/
Click Stop the Hate on the homepage and then Inspiration to view a powerful 12‐minute film
HATE about the consequences of intolerance.
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2010 Uplifting a Diverse World: Make Our Space a Better Place Student Essay Competition
Quote Bank — Teaching Prompts and Student Inspiration
Throughout history, leaders, authors, and philosophers have reflected on environmental
and social justice. Their words serve as teaching prompts and inspiration for thinking
about what young people can do to stop hatred and discrimination.
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE QUOTES
Sustainability is another word for justice, for what is just is sustainable and what is unjust
is not. ~ Matthew Fox
That land is a community is the basic concept of ecology, but that land is to be loved and
respected is an extension of ethics…All ethics…rest upon a single premise: the individual is
a member of a community of individual parts…The first rule of ecology is: keep all the
parts. ~ Aldo Leopold
Peace on earth depends on our ability to secure our living environment.
~ Nobel Peace Prize Foundation
The Great Work — the work of ensuring a just, healthy, beautiful, and sustainably lifegiving world for future generations of all species. ~ Thomas Berry
The clean-up of the Warren County PCB landfill is a "victory" indeed! More clean-ups of
toxic waste sites are needed in communities of color across the United States. Clean-up of
landfills and brownfields moves us one step closer to achieving environmental justice for
economically distressed communities. ~ Hazel Johnson
Man's heart, away from nature, becomes hard. (The Lakota) knew that lack of respect for
growing, living things soon led to lack of respect for humans, too. ~ Luther Standing Bear
SOCIAL JUSTICE QUOTES
Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.
~ Leo Tolstoy
Racism is man's gravest threat to man — the maximum of hatred for a minimum of reason.
~ Abraham Joshua Heschel
You must be the change you wish to see in the world. ~ Mahatma Ghandi
To know what is right and not to do it is the worst cowardice. ~ Confucius
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world.
Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. ~ Margaret Mead
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2010 Uplifting a Diverse World: Make Our Space a Better Place Student Essay Competition
Quote Bank — Teaching Prompts and Student Inspiration continued
Prejudices are the chains forged by ignorance to keep men apart.
~ Countess of Blessington
I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of
racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a
reality...I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word.
~ Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community and as long as I live, it is
my privilege to do for it whatever I can. ~ George Bernard Shaw
Racism isn't born, folks, it's taught. I have a two-year-old son. You know what he hates?
Naps! End of list. ~ Dennis Leary
How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the
world. ~ Anne Frank
Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does. ~ William James
If everyone howled at every injustice, every act of barbarism, every act of unkindness, then
we would be taking the first step towards a real humanity. ~ Nelson DeMille
It is the greatest of all mistakes to do nothing because you can only do little — do what you
can. ~ Sydney Smith
Dare to reach out your hand into the darkness, to pull another hand into the light.
~ Norman B. Rice
If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor. If an
elephant has its foot on the tail of a mouse, and you say that you are neutral, the mouse will
not appreciate your neutrality. ~ Bishop Desmond Tutu
Take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the
tormentor, never the tormented. ~ Elie Wiesel
You have enemies? Good! It means you stood up for something at least once in your life.
~ Eleanor Roosevelt
The highest result of education is tolerance. ~ Helen Keller
Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the
ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek. ~ Barack Obama
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2010 Uplifting a Diverse World: Make Our Space a Better Place Student Essay Competition
OFFICE USE ONLY
ENTRY FORM:
Entry Submissions Begin: January 25, 2010
Entry Deadline: February 26, 2010
2010 STUDENT ENTRY FORM (type or print) –
Attach this form to your essay. All information is required. Incorrect, incomplete, or illegible
information may lead to disqualification.
STUDENT INFORMATION
Student Name: _________________________________________________________________________________________________
Age:________________________
Level in School (Check One)
Grade in School:___________________________
High School
Middle School
Elementary School
Home Address: ________________________________________________________________________________________________
Zip:______________________ Home Phone:_____________________ Email:_________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Name:_______________________________________________________________________________________
How did you hear about the competition? _________________________________________________________________
SCHOOL/TEACHER INFORMATION
Name of School:________________________________________________________________________________________________
School Mailing Address:_______________________________________________________________________________________
Zip: ______________________ Principal’s Name: ______________________ Teacher’s Name:_______________________
CERTIFICATION
By submitting an entry in the Uplifting a Diverse World: Making Our Space a Better Place competition, we,
the undersigned student and parent/guardian below, agree to all competition guidelines and requirements
listed in the competition packet and on the Chatham County Human Relations webpage. We understand that
all entries become the property of the Chatham County Office of Human Relations, including the right to
reproduce the essay or portions thereof in any promotional, reference, research, or official business materials
without limitation. Entries will not be returned.
I, the student undersigned below, certify that my essay is original, authored solely by me and that in writing
my essay I did not plagiarize or otherwise infringe upon the rights of any third parties or entities, including,
without limitation, any copyright laws. I understand that plagiarism will be grounds for my immediate
disqualification.
Signature of Student: ___________________________________________________ Date: _______________________________
Signature of Parent/Guardian: _________________________________________ Date:_______________________________
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2010 Uplifting a Diverse World: Make Our Space a Better Place Student Essay Competition
Chatham County Human Relations Commission
Heather Rodin, Chair
Norman Clark, Vice Chair
Scott Ford, Secretary/Treasurer
Roy Barnes
Ilana Dubester
Mary Harris
Jan Nichols
Ivan Remnitz
David Scotton
Martin Spritzer
Esther B. Coleman, Director, Office of Human Relations
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