AFL-CIO to Launch Turn Around America Online Video Competition Contest to Run Nationally and in a Dozen Cities
By Alison Omensm, AFL-CIO

www.turnaroundvideocontest.com

On Thurs., Apr. 10, the AFL-CIO will launch its first-ever online video contest - - the Turn Around America online video competition - - with national winners as well as city and youth winners. The contest is the kick off of a national AFL-CIO initiative to "Turn Around America" which will go through the summer and culminate with massive rallies around economic issues. Participants will be invited to submit online videos in any creative form that will answer the question of how to turn around America. The contest will run Apr. 10 through May 20.  Winners will be announced in early June.

"Working families are excited and ready to turn around America," said AFL-CIO Exec. Vice President Arlene Holt Baker. "The video contest will engage people in a new way that will channel creativity and energy into a national discussion on what is necessary to get America back on track."

The national winner will receive $2,000 and the chance for the video to run on TV stations.  City winners will win $1,000 and may be featured at AFL-CIO rallies and on local television. A "young activist" category will also be awarded to the best video made by someone between the ages of 14 and 25. Judges will represent the arts and music industry as well as Americans working to "turn around America," including retired steelworker Steve Skvara who famously asked presidential candidates in Chicago last August, "What's wrong with America and what will you do to change it?"

Winners will be announced in Philadelphia, Pa.; Pittsburgh, Pa.; Columbus, Ohio; Cleveland, Ohio; Cincinnati, Ohio; Denver, Colo.; Detroit, Mich.; Portland, Ore.; Maine; New Hampshire; St. Paul/Minneapolis/Rochester, Minn.; St. Louis, Mo. and Chicago, Ill.

The contest can be accessed at www.turnaroundvideocontest.com.

What: Turn Around America Video Contest
When: Competition Launches on Thurs. Apr. 10 and runs through May 20
Where: www.turnaroundvideocontest.com