$500 For Your Thoughts: Youth Democracy Contest Underway

Famous Youth Activist Greta Thunberg makes sure she's heard.

That is why the adolescent has made more positive changes in climate issues than most grown men. OpGov.News is searching for that same spirit in local youth. The winner walks away with $500 and bragging rights for their pro-vote message.

An award ceremony on May 31 at the Chokhi Dhani will also honor the winner at the Lokrang India Community Center (ICC). My video below explains the importance of the primary election and how voters must turn out to make a marked difference.

Great individuals get overlooked on the primary ballot, but not if OpGov.News has nothing to do with it. That is why I am asking youth contestants to create a short video, 20-60 seconds long, that creatively encourages people to vote.

The next video is an excellent example of what we are looking for. OpGov.News San Francisco Reporter Naomi Heinen shows youth passion for political change, as she points out the value of voting.

The last video is also an excellent example of what contestants can consider. It is intentional, creative, and gets the message across.

I look forward to seeing all the submissions and selecting the winner, who is surely out there just waiting to create! The last day to submit content is May 30, 2026, at 10:00 pm.

Submissions few which are uploaded as of now:

1: Sathya Ganesan a 10th grader from Emerald High School in Dublin, CA

2: Adv. J Bhosale submitted.

3: Aadhya Kalra 5th Grader from Livermore, CA

4. Navya Ramanan, Ninth Grader from DVHS.
   

For more information, contact me at chirag@lead4earth.org.