MMA seeks poster and essay contest entries from 3rd and 8th grade students

Entries are now being accepted for the MMA’s 3rd Grade Poster Contest and 8th Grade Essay Contest.

The contests encourage the future leaders of the state to reflect on the role of key elected officials and municipal activities.

Eighth grade students will describe what they would do as an elected leader of their city or town to make their community a better place to live, while third graders will create posters depicting a municipal service of their choosing.

At a time when cities and towns increasingly find it difficult to fill important positions on volunteer boards or reach quorums for town meetings, the contests seek to expand knowledge of local government and instill an interest in civic participation at a young age, leading to a more informed constituency and greater engagement with residents.

Municipal associations across the country report that student participation in similar contests is greater in communities where local officials have been in direct contact with schools. Winners usually come from classes where local officials have visited and discussed municipal government.

Contest materials have been mailed to communities that filled out commitment forms before the Aug. 23 deadline. However, teachers, students and local officials from any city or town can download relevant materials below.

The contest deadline is Nov. 10. Essays and posters can be mailed by teachers or students to: MMA Essay/Poster Contest, 1 Winthrop Square, Boston, MA 02110.

Participation is open to every third grade and eighth grade student enrolled in a Massachusetts public school.

If you have any questions, please contact our contest coordinator, Vanessa Calaban, at (617) 426-7272, ext. 121, or vcalaban@mma.org.

• 3rd Grade Poster Contest materials (981K PDF)
• 8th Grade Poster Contest materials (1.8M PDF)
• Chief Municipal Official informational packet (493K PDF)