08/31/2018
It Can Wait 2018
We are happy to announce that the Arkansas Newspaper Foundation (ANF), Local newspapers, and AT&T will again sponsor and challenge Arkansas students, ages 14-19, across the state to write an editorial or opinion column highlighting the dangers of distracted driving and encouraging their peers to take the It Can Wait pledge.
As you know by covering vehicle accidents and tragedies in your community, distracted drivers are dangerous. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that distracted driving is dangerous, claiming 3,450 lives in 2016 alone. Ninety percent of teen drivers say they would stop if a friend in the car asked them and 78 percent say that they are likely not to text and drive if friends tell them it is wrong.
I have attached this year’s It Can Wait® editorial contest information for your review. Last year, we had entries from across the state. We hope that your newspaper will participate in the program this year and encourage safe driving practices in your community.
Last year, the winner of the It Can Wait® editorial contest was from Van Buren. She received $500.00 in prize money, an elegant lunch at the Little Rock Club with AT&T, ANF and Arkansas Press Association leadership, a personal tour of the Capitol and the Clinton Library.
You can find appropriate local sponsors to pay for the space or to provide local prizes. This would be a great opportunity to reach out to your readers and make them more aware of the dangers of driving while distracted.
Sponsors might include the following: insurance agencies, medical centers, emergency services, dentists, doctors, car dealerships, police and fire departments, school boards, chamber of commerce, etc.
Sponsors must not include businesses that sell and promote adult material, to***co or alcohol-related items, etc.
2018 Contest Schedule:
August 27-Sept 13 – Contest announced by Local Newspapers and/or directly with schools.
September 13 – Contest Begins (Contest may begin anytime after this date at the discretion of the newspaper.)
October 25 – Contest ends at local level October 25, 2018. Local winner announced by Local Newspaper after this date.
November 2 – Deadline for newspaper’s local winning entry to be received by the ANF Executive Director. Mailing address: Arkansas Newspaper Foundation, 411 S. Victory, Little Rock, AR 72201. Email address: [email protected].
December 1 – Statewide contest judging ends. Statewide winner announced.
January Awards TBA – Statewide winner awards and luncheon will be scheduled to coincide with the legislative session.
Materials may be easily downloaded at the following locations:
Ad Clearinghouse on APA website:
• Go to folder: ANF - 'It Can Wait' Contest
Materials are also posted on the ANF page at:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Arkansas-Newspaper-Foundation/157891060935155
The Arkansas Newspaper Foundation is the non-profit arm of the Arkansas Press Association. http://www.arkansaspress.org/about-anf