Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Colorado Holiday Commission

We Are People (WAP) - Criteria

2013 Title: “I am Man, I am Woman, We are People, Youth Leadership Conference”

The We Are People Youth Conference has been postponed until Fall 2013, further details will be posted as they become available.

Essays will still be accepted and the seed scholarship will still be awarded for Spring 2013.

ESSAY REGISTRATION DEADLINE: May 6, 2013

AWARD & ESSAY CONTEST CRITERIA

Deadline: All essays must be received by (Monday, May 6, 2013 • 5:00 p.m.)
Eligible entrants must be students in good standing in their perspective High Schools 

Awards:

2 – Senior Awards - $1000.00, payable to the student’s College/University/Trade School – must provide proof of acceptance
2 – Junior Awards - $500.00 Savings Bond
2 – Sophomore Awards - $400.00 Savings Bond
2 – Freshmen Awards - $200.00 Savings Bond

Essays must show an understanding of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Six Principles of Non-Violence, which are outlined on the following pages:

• Freshman: must address two of the six principles (2 pages).
• Sophomores: must address three of the six principles (3 pages).
• Juniors: must address four of the six principles (4 pages).
• Seniors: must address all six principles (5 – 6 pages).

Presentation 

1. Ensure grammar and spelling accuracy
2. Essays must be provided in an electronic version compatible with MICROSOFT WORD,
3. Font: Times New Romans, Font Size: 12, 1.5 spaced, standard margins 1”x1”x1”.
4. All sources (resources used in compiling your essay) must be referenced, include an additional page, as needed (reference pages are not counted in the page requirements above).
5. An Essay Award application must be attached to each essay (See Attached).
6. Submit your Essay Award Application and essay document as an attachment to the drmartinlkingjrchc.org website or via e-mail to   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.   with copies to   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.   and This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
7. Subject line of any e-mail Essay submissions should read: Essay Award Application - WAPC

 SIX PRINCIPLES OF NONVIOLENCE

 PRINCIPLE ONE: Nonviolence is a way of life for courageous people.

1. It is active nonviolent resistance to evil.
2. It is aggressive spirituality, mentally and emotionally.
3. It is always persuading the opponent of the righteousness of your cause.
4. It is only passive in it’s non-aggression towards its enemy.

PRINCIPLE TWO: Nonviolence seeks to win friendship and understanding.

1. The end result of nonviolence is redemption and reconciliation.
2. The purpose on nonviolence is the creation of the Beloved Community.

PRINCIPLE THREE: Nonviolence seeks to defeat injustice not people.

1. Nonviolence recognized that evil doers are also victims and are not evil people.
2. The nonviolent resister seeks to defeat evil not people.

PRINCIPLE FOUR: Nonviolence holds that suffering can educate and transform.

1. Nonviolence accepts suffering without retaliation.
2. Nonviolence accepts violence if necessary, but will never inflict it.
3. Nonviolence willingly accepts the consequences of its acts.
4. Unearned suffering is redemptive and has tremendous educational and transforming possibilities.
5. Suffering has the power to convert the enemy when reason fails.

PRINCIPLE FIVE: Nonviolence chooses love instead of hate.

1. Nonviolence resists violence of the spirit as well as the body.
2. Nonviolent love is spontaneous, unmotivated, unselfish and creative.
3. Nonviolent love gives willingly knowing that the return might be hostility.
4. Nonviolent love is active not passive.
5. Nonviolent love is un-ending in its ability to forgive in order to restore community.
6. Nonviolent love does not sink to the level of the hater.
7. Love for the enemy is how we demonstrate love for ourselves.
8. Love restores community and resists injustice.
9. Nonviolence recognized the fact that all life is interrelated.

PRINCIPLE SIX: Nonviolence believes that the universe is on the side of justice.

1. The Nonviolent resister had deep faith that justice will eventually win.
2. Nonviolence believes that God is a God of justice.

Online Registration Form & Essay Submission 

Essay Award Application (PDF)
"We the people" registration form pdf

We the people Conference
REGISTRATION FORM

The We Are People Youth Conference has been postponed until Fall 2013, further details will be posted as they become available.

CONFERENCE REGISTRATION DEADLINE: TBD