VolunTV Challenge: How Would You Show Volunteerism on TV?

The Entertainment Industry Foundation's week of volunteer-focused TV is just around the corner, as shows start airing October 19. The Chronicle of Philanthropy is capitalizing on the moment by launching the VolunTV Challenge, a contest that invited individuals and nonprofits to come up with their own concepts for how their favorite TV shows could showcase volunteerism.

Got an idea? Submit it as a three-minute video or a 250-word essay at the VolunTV Challenge entry page by October 26. The winning entries will be engaging, creative, well-made or well-written, and effective in entertaining viewers while also getting across the value of volunteering.

Entries will be judged by panel of nonprofit experts and celebrities, including environmental activist Ashley Judd; Todd DeLorenzo, chief of staff of the Motion Picture Association of America; blogger Beth Kanter; and Tom Nelson, COO of AARP.

The prize? A $5,000 Grand Prize will go to "the most creative pitch, script, or scene that best incorporates volunteerism — written or video — into a TV show." Two $2,500 Silver Prizes will award other pitches — one written, one video.

Images courtesy of The Chronicle of Philanthropy