Announcing the

One of the most important steps to peace is fostering appreciation for the rich cultural heritages and experiences that contribute to our global life. This understanding can help us work through conflicts that arise as we live and work together.

Our cultural heritage helps us understand who we are. Many people of the United States embrace their ancestors’ cultural heritages, while others form new traditions from their involvement in different facets of American life. Aware of it or not, we express our culture in many ways: by the values we hold, the food we eat, the way we dress, how we celebrate and worship, and the way we view the world.

We are especially fortunate to have many cultures represented in our Central Valley. It is as though the world is at our doorstep, and there are abundant opportunities to increase our understanding and appreciation of others.

The 2001 Peace Essay Contest offers students an opportunity:

• to explore and honor their own cultural heritage,
• to reflect on what they have learned about other cultures,
• to understand the similarities and differences among people from different cultures, and, for the older students,
• to envision new opportunities to celebrate the diverse cultures in our valley.

1) Prepare for your essay by talking to the people you live with about your own cultural experience, which may be defined as your ethnic, geographical or national background, and/or political or religious values.

2) In your opening paragraph(s) briefly identify the culture(s) you represent, and describe any values, traditional dress, food, celebrations, worship, etc. that could express your family’s culture—whether or not you practice them today.

3) Next, tell about a time when you learned about a culture different than your own. Identify that culture and explain what was new or different for you.

4) Then, imagine you are part of a group of young people creating a multicultural celebration for others. Describe an activity in which guests could participate and learn about your particular culture.

1) Prepare for your essay by talking to the people you live with about your own cultural experience, which may be defined as your ethnic, geographical or national background, and/or political or religious values.

2) In your opening paragraph briefly identify the culture(s) you represent and describe any values, traditional dress, food, celebrations, worship, etc. that could express your family’s culture—whether or not you practice them today.

3) Then interview someone from a different cultural background than your own. In your essay tell about his/her culture and describe any values, traditional dress, food, celebrations, worship, etc. that could express his/her culture-whether or not he/she practices them today.

4) Explain what was new, interesting, and anything you are curious about regarding this culture.

2. Submit one copy of your essay. Essays in Division I & II must be typewritten, double spaced. Essays in Divisions III & IV must be either typewritten or written in dark ink, double spaced. Use one side of white paper 8 1/2 x 11 inches. Number the pages consecutively. Your essay must be of a quality to photocopy legibly.

3. Attach an index card with your name, mailing address (including city and zip code), and telephone number. Also include your school, grade, and teacher’s name on the index card. YOUR NAME SHOULD NOT BE ON OR IN THE ESSAY.

4. Cite any quotations, borrowed ideas, and facts that are not general knowledge. If you are uncertain about plagiarism, ask your teacher.

5. You must do your own work. However, you may ask a teacher, parent, or friend for constructive criticism.

6. The Modesto Peace/Life Center reserves the right to reprint entries. Entries will not be returned.

7. Mail all entries, postmarked no later than December 1, 2000, to:

2001 Peace Essay Contest
Modesto Peace/Life Center
P.O. Box 134
Modesto, CA 95353-0134

I. Content:

A. Does the essay demonstrate concern for establishing a more peaceful world?
B. How useful/practical/well-developed are the ideas?
C. Does it address the given topic?

II. Style:

A. Is the essay original and interesting?
B. Is it written with conviction?
C. Does the personality of the writer come through?

III. Clarity of expression:

A. Are the ideas clearly stated?
B. Is the essay well-organized?
C. Does it have an effective beginning and ending?

IV. Mechanics:

A. Is grammar, spelling, and punctuation reasonably correct?
B. Does the author cite all quotes, borrowed ideas, and the facts that are not general knowledge?
C. Does the essay stay within the word limit?

First, Second, and Third prizes will be awarded in each of the four divisions which have at least 15 entries. In the event that fewer than 15 entries are entered in any one division, all prizes may or may not be awarded in that division at the discretion of the judging panel. Group entries (more than one author) are welcome.

The 16th Annual Peace Essay Contest is a project of
the Modesto Peace/Life Center (209) 529-5750