The Americans for Democratic Action Education Fund is hosting its second annual “What Would Martin Do?” essay contest, questioning what would Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. say to President Obama if he were alive today. This contest is part of our third annual “What Would Martin Do?” forum in which a group of speakers will discuss how Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. might address the policies and situations that are seen in the 21st century.

Rules for the contest are:

1)      The topic of the essay is “What Would Martin Do?” and should envision a conversation between Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and President Barack Obama.  It should touch on key policy issues facing our country in the 21st century.

2)      Your essay may not exceed 500 words.

3)      Essays must be submitted as a Word attachment to info@ADAEdFund.org not later than 5pm EST on December 15, 2011.  Please use the subject line “Essay Contest.”  Late entries will not be considered.

4)      Please be sure to include your full name, home address, email, and the best phone number with your entry.

5)      Up to 5 finalists as selected by a prestigious panel of judges will have their essays posted on the ADA Ed Fund’s website.  Online voting by the general public will determine the winners.

6)      Entries will be judged on historical knowledge, understanding of Dr. King’s philosophy, creativity, and writing skills.  The entry must also reflect an understanding of current policy discussions and the landscape of social and economic justice.

7)      The winners will be notified on or before January 4, 2011.

8)      The winner will receive a $500 U.S. Savings Bond.  Two runners-up will each receive a $100 savings bond.

9)      The winners will be invited to read their essays at the WWMD Symposium (details TBA) in Washington, DC, will have their winning submission published on the ADA Ed Fund’s website, the quarterly publication ADA Today, and shared on our Facebook page.

10)  There is no qualification or age requirement for entry.  Anyone (except current ADA or ADA Ed Fund Staffers and Board Members) may enter.

Good luck, and thanks for participating in the second annual WWMD Essay Contest!  Please feel free to pass this along to friends and colleagues… Thanks!

For more information please visit our website:

http://adaedfund.org/2011/11/what-would-martin-do-essay-contest/