CAMP HILL, PA— Music is a source of unity, inspiration, expression, and passion. An art form that can bridge divides and touches the lives of many. The Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation (PPFF), the only non-profit whose mission is to inspire stewardship of Pennsylvania’s state parks and forests, seeks submissions for a song contest celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Environmental Rights Amendment (ERA). The contest is free to enter and open to Pennsylvania artists of all ages and music genres.
The song that best expresses what the environment and amendment mean to the artist will win a grand prize of $250. The top youth entry (songwriters under the age of 18) will win a prize of $100. The winning songwriters will be invited to perform at a PPFF event later this year. Songs will be shared through our digital platforms, as well.
Song submissions must be two to three minutes in length and submitted in a digital format at http://ppff.events/era50- song-contest now through August 1, 2021.
In addition to the song contest, there are other ways to be involved in the ERA anniversary celebration. For instance, in June, PPFF is asking for essays on what the “preservation of the historic value” means to you. In July, submit an acrostic (a poem where certain letters in each line form a word or words) on what the “preservation of the aesthetic value” means to you. And in August, submissions of a 6-word essay on what the “common property of all the people” means to you are welcomed. For details on future submissions through the end of 2021, please visit https://paparksandforests.org/ourwork/education/era50.
Added to the Pennsylvania constitution in 1971, the amendment protects the right to clean air, pure water, and enjoyment and preservation of our natural environment for generations to come. Song submissions should reflect on this pivotal piece of legislation that is essential to protecting what is special about Pennsylvania, the natural resources, and landscapes.
“The Environmental Rights Amendment ensures all Pennsylvania’s, today and future generations, the right to a clean environment and a preservation of our public lands,” said Marci Mowery, President of the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation. “We are excited to offer an opportunity for an artistic expression of what the Amendment means to performing artists of all ages.”
For the complete rules and regulations and to submit a song visit http://ppff.events/era50-song-contest. And follow #PAEnviroRights50 to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Environmental Rights Amendment, which offers monthly means for engaging and celebrating this landmark piece of legislation.
