From May 2 until June 23, the Fairfax County Public Library, in partnership with the FOR LOVE OF COUNTRY Foundation, will conduct a “Why Vote” Public Service Announcement (PSA) contest. (A PSA is a non-commercial television or radio message presented for the public good to raise awareness about a specific issue.)

“The Fairfax County Public Library is pleased to partner with the FOR LOVE OF COUNTRY Foundation in this special competition that fosters the creativity of our future civic leaders,” said Edwin S. Clay III, director of the Fairfax County Public Library. “Since their beginnings in the 19th century, public libraries have always been centers for community involvement and education -- the building blocks of civic engagement.”

The contest is open to students in the 6th, 7th and 8th grades, high school students, adults and teams. The FOR LOVE OF COUNTRY Foundation will award multiple cash prizes and multiple gold, silver and bronze certificates at a special awards ceremony. Selected gold certificate winners will work with professionals to have their PSAs produced and featured on television and radio.

The video and audio entries should be original work that is either 30 or 60 seconds in length. Rules and guidelines, including an entry form, cover sheet, signature sheet, sample video script and sample audio script, are available. Brochures, with entry forms, are available in all library branches.

Winners will be selected based on impact, accuracy, creativity, clarity and coherence and adherence to the 30-second and 60-second time requirement.

“This contest promotes civic action and patriotism by inspiring more citizens to vote and reminding Americans how voting safeguards freedom and democracy,” said Paul Peck, founder of the FOR LOVE OF COUNTRY Foundation.