Circular Stories Programme 2024
An opportunity for youth in southeast Asia to craft newsworthy stories about inspiring circular economy innovations or initiatives in their local communities.
Get ready to unleash your storytelling skills and dive into the world of environmental communications with Circular Stories! This dynamic program offers young environmental changemakers the opportunity to explore the circular economy practices firsthand by uncovering innovative solutions within their communities. Participants learn to research, develop, and pitch compelling, newsworthy stories on local circular innovations impacting their local communities.
Through immersive learning experiences and hands-on storytelling workshops, you will discover how to craft compelling narratives that showcase local circular innovations. By amplifying the voices of your local sustainability pioneers and raising awareness about the importance of the circular economy, Circular Stories empowers participants to become catalysts for positive change in your communities and beyond.
This competition is open to individuals or teams aged 18 to 25 from South East Asia. Competition entries can be made from both individuals or teams. For more information on eligibility please refer to the document below:
The Story "Pitch"
How might we inspire a transition to a circular economy in local communities by telling the stories of local heroes and innovations?
Participants will be tasked with finding inspiring local circular economy innovations or initiatives that are addressing environmental waste issues.
This may include initiatives aiming to:
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Reduce waste and pollution in public spaces.
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Improve management systems for solid waste, water, air quality, and climate adaptation.
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Foster sustainable product design and manufacturing practices.
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Encourage the reuse and repurposing of materials or products.
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Promote circular business models that prioritise resource efficiency.
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Advance sustainable energy solutions and renewable resources.
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Enhance community engagement and awareness in the circular economy.
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Reconnect with local cultural heritage to surface circular practices that have existed in the past and could be tapped and innovated for the present
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Foster a connection to, and an understanding, of the material used in the local environment
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Support the development of circular supply chains and local circular networks.
Through your narrative, you will showcase these solutions and inspire others to become more active participants in the circular economy.
We want you to express yourself in ways that resonate with you and your local community, and for your stories to reach a wide audience. This means that we will accept a diverse range of mediums and languages.
Why Circular Stories?
As our world confronts urgent environmental challenges like waste, pollution, and resource depletion, the need to amplify hopeful stories of those driving positive, sustainable change has never been more crucial. Through Circular Stories, participants are empowered to illuminate local innovations or innovators spearheading solutions within the circular economy. By teaching participants to use their unique voice to showcase circular innovation, we aim to inspire awareness, foster collaboration, and catalyse meaningful action toward a more sustainable, circular, and hopeful future.
Make sure to REGISTER to gain access to a Circular Stories toolkit and resource support to help you prepare for the story pitch competition.
Timeline
July 7
DEADLINE FOR COMPETITION SUBMISSION
To enter the competition, programme participants must submit their story pitch by this date.
May 31
PROGRAMME REGISTRATION CLOSES
Eligible youth must submit the registration form by this date to take part in the programme.
June 6-15
PROGRAMME PARTICIPATION & PITCH PREPARATION
Participants work through the toolkit and attend the programme sessions to help them prepare their story pitch.
Week of August 26
COACHING FOR FINALISTS
Finalists receive 1:1 coaching sessions for additional support for crafting their final stories.
May 1
PROGRAMME REGISTRATION OPENS
Youth from SE Asia aged 18-25 can register for the programme as individuals or as a team by completing the registration form.
July 31
ANNOUNCEMENT OF FINALISTS
The proposals will be reviewed and finalists will be chosen.
Week of August 12
ONLINE WORKSHOP FOR FINALISTS
Finalists participate in an immersive online workshop with our industry experts to learn how to produce their full and final story.
September 15
DEADLINE FOR STORIES TO BE COMPLETED
Final stories must be completed and submitted for publication by this date.
Incentives
Finalists of the Circular Stories Programme Competition will be invited to an immersive online workshop with our industry experts to learn how to produce their full and final story. You will be led through an insightful journey, including 1:1 coaching.
By the end of the programme you will submit your final story for publication via our platforms, accompanied by a press release promoting your work to publishers across SE Asia.
There will be a small financial incentive for those that successfully submit their story.
Organiser
Sponsor
