Submission opens - Monday 28 August 2023

Submissions due - Wednesday 11 October 2023, 11:59 pm

Six finalists announced - Tuesday 17 October 2023

Online voting period - Tuesday 17 October to Tuesday 24 October

Final winners announced - Tuesday 24 October 2023

We are looking for creative ideas that have real potential for impact, and we want to know your personal connection to your idea or the social problems you are working to solve. Social problems include poverty, homelessness, inadequate access to healthcare, mental health concerns, etc. To learn more about specific social problems check out ballardbrief.byu.edu

Here are some questions to help guide your submission:

How do you want to help?

Who do you want to help?

Where do you want to help?

What is your personal connection to the issue?

How can I answer these questions in a creative Instagram reel?

Examples:

Natalia is passionate about helping the homeless population in El Salvador. Through a heartfelt and straightforward Instagram Reel, Natalia introduces an ingenious solution, a collaborative effort with her committed siblings: repurposing abundant cargo storage containers into secure sanctuaries for El Salvador's homeless population. Her passion is tangible, and her intent is crystal clear: to transform these containers into shelters that offer safety and dignity. (See Natalia’s reel here)

Sage grew up in New Mexico where the child and food insecurity rates are some of the worst in the nation. In her Instagram reel, Sage presents a potential solution: fostering empowerment through community gardening. In her succinct and impactful Reel, she unfolds her innovative idea and its far-reaching potential. (See Sage’s reel here)

Eli is from Santa Barbra and from a young age has seen the effects a drought can have on a community. So, he has become passionate about creating simple solutions to be eco-friendly. As an engineering major, Eli shares in a creative Instagram reel his innovative idea for water conservation in airports. Eli's brainchild, the "Conservation Station," comprises a three-part aqueduct marvel. Travelers can effortlessly empty their water bottles into a replenishing reservoir where passengers can watch their recycled water nourishes the vibrant flora throughout the entire terminal. Eli's innovative design transforms every passenger into a steward of sustainability. (See Eli’s reel here)

Once the six finalists are chosen, the top three winners are selected based on

1) a final score from a review board of selected judges, and

2) an overall vote count of audience members.

The review board’s grade will be worth 50% of your final score, based on the following criteria:

Impact - Help us understand the positive impact your idea will have on the world.

Clarity - Clear and concise idea portrayed in video; central message.

Emotional Connection - Evokes emotion in the audience and inspires the viewer to act and participate in social impact.

Creativity - Unique and engaging ideas and film/editing techniques.

Audience voting will determine the other 50% of your score. Finalists can gain points by getting likes, shares, and saves on their post AFTER it is posted on the BYU Ballard Center’s Instagram account. The six finalists will be invited to encourage voting and promote their submissions. Audience members can vote for their favorite submissions on BYU Ballard Center’s Instagram Page.

Who can submit a reel?

This contest is open to anyone enrolled at BYU (undergraduates and graduates) and must be 18 years or older.

Where do I submit my reel?

Post the reel on your personal Instagram account. Make sure to tag the BYU Ballard Center Instagram Page (https://www.instagram.com/byuballardcenter/), use the hashtag #YChangemakers23, and then submit your Net ID and the link to your post in the Qualtrics form.

When is the deadline to submit?

The deadline to submit to the Qualtrics form is Wednesday 11 October at 11:59 pm.

How do people vote for my video?

If you are selected as one of the six finalists, your video will be posted to the BYU Ballard Center Instagram page for voting. Friends and family can vote for your submission AFTER it is posted to the Ballard Center’s Instagram account from Oct 17th - Oct 24th at 12:00 pm.

Public voting counts for 50% of your score. Friends and family can vote by liking, saving, and sharing your video on Instagram. “Shares” will be weighted the most, “saves” next, and finally “likes”.

How is my video used?

Finalists' reels are published on the Ballard Center’s Instagram page. Videos may also be used in the future for Ballard Center articles, social media posts, newsletters, student highlights, and more.

Other FAQs:

Why should I submit a Changemaker Reel/Tiktok?

By submitting your 60 sec. video, each student has the chance to win between $500 and $1500. Additionally, the Ballard Center is full of resources to help students make a big impact. By sharing your idea with us, we can help you find the ability to make your dreams of becoming a Changemaker in the world a reality.

I’m not sure if my idea is big/innovative enough. Should I still submit it?

Absolutely! Here at the Ballard Center, we know that ideas don’t have to be big and flashy to make a real impact. Your story is unique to you, and we want to hear whatever passion to make a difference has come from that.

Does my video have to be 60 seconds?

No. It can be less than 60 seconds, but videos that are more than 60 seconds will not be accepted.

Can I submit my reel late?

No, the submission date is firm.

What if I want to submit it with a friend or group?

You may submit with a friend, but the submission must be put under the Net ID of just one participant. If your entry wins the money prize, it will be your responsibility to split the prize money between yourselves.

What can I do with the money?

The money will be completely personal and yours to use. You will not be expected to donate or put toward a social impact issue.

What if I am interested in solving social issues and being involved, but won’t be able to submit for this contest?

Join our Changemakers email list to get updates on future contests and opportunities to get involved here: https://changemakers.byu.edu/join-now The Ballard Center also offers free advisement to all students. Feel free to stop by TNRB 360 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. any weekday to talk with someone about your ideas and interest in making a difference!

• Participation is open only to currently enrolled BYU students (undergraduate and graduate)

• Each participant will be added to the Ballard Center Newsletter

• Video cannot extend 60 seconds

• One video entry allowed per student

• Participants must be 18 years and older

• Video must be submitted by Wednesday 11 October 2023, at 11:59 pm

• Video must comply with Instagram's Community Guidelines https://help.instagram.com/477434105621119/?helpref=uf_share

• Must receive written consent from those who are featured in your video. If they are minors, you must receive written consent from the parent/guardian.

• You are responsible for assuring that the music and videos that you use, that are not original, are royalty-free.

Purchased likes, saves, and shares will not count toward participants' score in the audience voting. Those who are found purchasing likes, saves, or shares will be subject to discipline by the BYU Honor Code Office and will be eliminated from participation in this contest.

By submitting your idea, if it is chosen to be published, you give the BYU Ballard Social Impact Center the rights to display your video on the Ballard Center website and social media platforms. In addition, the Ballard Center may use the project title and the author’s name and personal image as part of the Ballard Center’s future promotional efforts.

You acknowledge that your submission must be your original work and must not infringe upon the copyrights, trademarks, rights of privacy, publicity, or other intellectual property or other rights of any person or entity. If your video contains any material or elements that are not owned by you and/or which are subject to the rights of third parties, you shall be responsible for obtaining, prior to submission of the video, any and all releases and consents necessary to permit use by the Ballard Center. The Ballard Center may, in its sole discretion, disqualify submissions for privacy or intellectual property infringements. The Ballard Center reserves the right to use or not use submissions.

You assume all risk of participation and acknowledge and agree that neither BYU nor the Ballard Center shall be liable for any damages, injuries, claims, causes of actions, or losses of any kind or nature resulting from participation in this competition.

The Ballard Center reserves the right to interpret these official rules and administer the competition as appropriate and its decisions are final. This agreement will supersede any and all other agreements, oral or written, or any other understanding.