Palestine Convention

Echoes Beyond Survival

2025 Youth Competition

Description

Across generations, Palestinians have shown that survival is only the beginning. Their voices, art, and stories carry the echoes of resilience, truth, and hope. This year’s youth competition, Echoes Beyond Survival, invites participants to use creativity as a form of resistance and remembrance.

Through spoken word, poetry, videos, and visual art, high school students are encouraged to reflect on the power of expression in keeping Palestine’s story alive. Whether through words that move hearts, images that capture strength, or videos that inspire action, every submission will serve as an echo that travels beyond borders and beyond survival.

This competition is not only about talent but about courage—amplifying voices that refuse to be silenced and imagining a future where justice and freedom prevail.

Categories

Spoken Word & Poetry

Original piece, maximum 3 minutes for live or video performance.

Written submission should not exceed 500 words.

Drawing & Visual Art

Any medium (digital, pencil, paint, etc.).

Must be photographed/scanned clearly for digital submission.

Physical artwork size: no smaller than 8.5×11 inches (if physical submission required).

Short Film & Video

Can include short films, documentaries, or creative storytelling.

Length: 1 to 3 minutes.

Must be original work by the participant.

other information

Eligibility

  • Open to high school students. Proof of age is required. (School ID)
  • Participants must submit entries individually.

Theme Connection

All submissions must align with this year’s theme: “Echoes Beyond Survival” — highlighting resilience, creativity, and the enduring voice of Palestine.

Submission Rules

  • Only one entry per participant.
  • Work must be original. Plagiarism or AI-generated entries are not permitted.
  • Submissions are due by Thursday, November 27th. All pieces must be submitted to be considered for the competition ceremony. All submissions must be made to https://tinyurl.com/ampyc2025.
  • The top five submissions in each category will be selected to present their piece at the final ceremony.
  • Digital entries should be submitted in one of the following formats to youth@ampalestine.org:
    • Video: MP4 or MOV
    • Poetry: Video Submission of Recital; PDF or Word document also required.
    • Art: JPEG or PNG (high resolution); physical piece acceptable.

Awards & Recognition

  • Winners will be announced during the AMP High School Program at the 18th Palestine Convention. Winners must be present to claim their prize.
  • Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in each category.
  • Selected works may be showcased on AMP platforms and at future events.

Judging Rubric

Each submission will be scored out of 100 points total. Judges will use the following criteria:

1. Creativity & Originality – 25 points

  • 21–25: Exceptionally original, highly creative, fresh perspective.
  • 16–20: Strong originality with some creative elements.
  • 11–15: Somewhat original but uses common or expected ideas.
  • 6–10: Limited originality, relies heavily on familiar concepts.
  • 1–5: Minimal creativity or copied style.

2. Theme Relevance – 25 points

  • 21–25: Clearly and powerfully ties to Echoes Beyond Survival, strong Palestinian focus.
  • 16–20: Connects to the theme with good depth.
  • 11–15: Shows some connection to the theme, but weak or partial.
  • 6–10: Minimal connection to the theme.
  • 1–5: Not connected to the theme at all.

3. Impact & Emotion – 25 points

  • 21–25: Extremely moving, inspiring, or thought-provoking; leaves a lasting impression.
  • 16–20: Strong emotional or intellectual impact.
  • 11–15: Some impact, but not consistent throughout.
  • 6–10: Limited emotional effect.
  • 1–5: Little to no impact.

4. Quality of Work – 25 points

(Adjusted for each category: writing, performance, video editing, artistic technique, etc.)

  • 21–25: Excellent craftsmanship, polished, professional quality.
  • 16–20: Good quality with minor flaws.
  • 11–15: Average effort, noticeable inconsistencies.
  • 6–10: Weak craftsmanship, rushed presentation.
  • 1–5: Poor quality or incomplete.

Total Score: 100 points

  • 90–100 points: Outstanding – potential for 1st place.
  • 75–89 points: Strong – likely 2nd or 3rd place.
  • 60–74 points: Average – participation recognized.
  • Below 60 points: Needs improvement – honorable mention only.