About

What is Care to Change?

Care to Change is a video competition with a difference. United Way of the Lower Mainland created this competition out of a dream to see youth and adults in B.C. raise their voice about important issues in their community, and inspire others to do something about it. Thanks to the caring hearts and talented minds of our contestants this is now a reality.

16 year-old high school student Linnea won first place in the youth category in 2014′s Care to Change video competition. Her video focused on bullying related to sexual orientation.

I’m beginning to believe that perhaps it’s made someone think, maybe even act, maybe even literally reach out to someone. It’s lovely to think it’s made a difference, made someone reconsider the social outcasts in their school and instead see them as equals.

How does it work?

United Way invites novice and expert film makers in B.C. to “Care to Change” by participating in a change-making video competition that will raise awareness about local social issues.

Contestants are asked to create short films (3 minutes and under) that will educate viewers on topics such as child poverty, or bullying for school-age children, or senior isolation, and inspire them to care for others.

These videos are entered into United Way’s Care to Change video competition for the chance to win great prizes and give back.

The Care to Change video competition supports United Way’s efforts to shed a light on these important issues, whilst inspiring people to give, volunteer and act to help their fellow citizens.

Judging and on line voting

The winners of the youth, adult and workplace categories are determined by our expert panel of judges, chaired by International Emmy Awards judge and United Way Board Member, Catherine Warren. The Viewers Choice Award is determined by you, the public! Voting takes place on this website from January 22 to February 13, 2014.

Workshops

United Way partners with Reel Youth, a not-for-profit, media empowerment program, to run fun and informative video making workshops for youth and adults associated with United Way. These workshops educate and empower people to share their voice through the medium of video. All videos made in these workshops are entered into the Care to Change video competition. For more information please contact Emma Berg at [email protected] .

Exposure

Winning videos receive exposure through:

VISOgive – the first video channel dedicated to featuring video content from non-profits around the world. Visitors to the channel can donate directly to the cause.
TELUS Optik Local (formerly TELUS Community TV) – where TELUS showcases relevant, local, community-produced content, available through Optik TV On Demand.
Top youth winners have their videos screened at the Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF) as part of the Reel Youth Film Festival Tour.
Care to Change newsletter
United Way website and YouTube channel

Care to Change Awards

All winners are announced live at a red carpet awards ceremony attended by contestants, their families, judges and the media.