IMAGINE A COMMUNITY

What this is:
The word imagine means:  to form a mental image of something not actually present.  Synonyms include:  image, picture. Imagine, conceive, conceive of, realize refer to bringing something before the mind.
If you were to apply community to the word imagine, what comes to mind?  How would you go about making this conception of Imagining a Community a reality?

The Black Youth Coalition Against Violence (B.Y.C.A.V.) is giving you the opportunity to turn your dreams for your community into a reality.

Who are we:
BYCAV is a group of Black Youth that want to make a difference and end the violence faced by our brothers and sisters in Toronto. We formed in the summer of 2005 during another outbreak of gun violence in this city; gun violence which has disproportionately affected the lives of young Black men and women. From the start we made it clear that gun violence was just a symptom coming from the deeper issues that have put our community in a crisis situation. Racism, lack of real jobs, lack of youth programming, a school system that has failed many of us, and daily media misrepresentation are all part of the causes.

IMAGINE A COMMUNITY – THE CONTEST
DEADLINE: July 31, 2008

The award winning proposal will receive $5500.00, $5000.00 in contribution to the project, and $500.00 to the person or team who came up with the idea.

•    One submission per person/team.
•    Submissions received no later than July 31, 2008.
•    Submissions will be judged by a panel of five with varying ages, backgrounds and experiences.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?:
1.    Black youth between the ages of 14 – 22.
2.    Living in a community that could be greatly improved by your idea.

SUBMISSIONS:
Submissions should be within 2-3 pages and contain the information below and what you think is required to turn your idea for your community into a reality!
1.    Tell us about your idea.  What is the reason this is necessary for your community?  How will it help?
2.    Create a budget – let us know how you would spend the $5,000.
3.    Let us know what you need to make the project a success.  Will you need access to any buildings or facilities? Will you need people with certain skills to support? i.e. first aid, legal, education
4.    Include any background information about yourself that shows you have the drive to back up your proposal and that you can undertake making it a success.
5.    Let us know your timeline – when do you want to start and finish? Are there any in-between goals you have along the way?
6.    Let us know how the project and its results of the project will last once the $5,000 is used.

GOOD LUCK!!