U.S. Office of Personnel Management www.opm.gov - Recruiting, Retaining and Honoring a World-Class Workforce to Serve the American People

Public Service Video Challenge for District of Columbia High School Students

The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is interested in the unique perspective of high school students in the nation's capital. Accordingly we are challenging District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) to create a 30-90 second video that will raise awareness and spread the word about the importance of public service.

Challenge:

In your own words and images, how would you persuade someone to pursue a career in public service?

Winning videos will be showcased at Public Service Recognition Week (PSRW), an event that honors the men and women who serve America as local, state and federal government employees the on the national mall and will receive special recognition from OPM Director John Berry.

Call for Entries:

• The challenge will run from April 6, 2010 - April 26, 2010
• All DCPS high school students (grades 9-12) can enter the challenge
• Entries will be reviewed by a panel of judges that will include representatives from DCPS and OPM
• All videos must be submitted to teachers by Monday, April 26, 2010

Thought Starters:

Did you know Customs and Border Patrol Agents, Air Traffic Controllers, Park Rangers, Secret Service Agents, Teachers, Fire Fighters, and Librarians are all public servants? How is the work they do important to you and your community? Would you like to work for the local, state or Federal government one day? If so, what type of work would you like to do and why? The answers to these questions would all make great subjects for your video. The video can be one person or an entire class. The important thin is to share your ideas about public service, be creative and have fun!

Video Guidelines:

• Videos can be individual or as a group
• Videos can be recorded on digital or flip cameras
• Videos must be 30-90 seconds in length
• Students must be in grades 9-12 and currently enrolled in DCPS
• To submit a video it must be on a cd in WMV or MOV format
• Keep it clean! No violence, profanity or inappropriate behavior
• Each entry must include a completed entry form with signed release statement by each person appearing in the video. If participants are under the age of 18 a parent/guardian must sign also.
• Winners will be notified by May 5 using contact information provided on entry form
• Winners will be asked to submit a written script for the video
• Videos can be fun and over-the-top or refined as long as it focuses on public service and meet all of the guidelines set forth above

How to Enter: It's Easy! Burn your original video in WMV or MOV format to a cd. Complete and sign the entry form and release statement (if you are under the age of 18, your parent/guardian must sign also). Provide your cd and entry form to your Teacher. Your teacher has been provided with guidance on how to forward it to us. Good Luck!

Judging Criteria: Your video will be judged by the following criteria:

• Content: How the entry recognizes, shows appreciation and/or brings awareness to local, state and/or Federal public service
• Clarity of Message : How clear the entry communicates the importance , value and/or appreciation for and/or of public service
• Creativity : The originality, imagination and/or resourcefulness demonstrated within the entry

Winners: Winners will have their videos shown on the National Mall at PSRW. Winners will also receive special recognition from OPM Director John Berry.

Questions: If you have questions about the challenge, contact Aline Mays at aline.mays@opm.gov or (202) 606-2566.

Video Challenge Entry Form [89 KB]

Video Challenge Flyer [380 KB]