PSAid is a Public Service Announcement (PSA) contest for U.S.-based college and university students. PSAid seeks entries of broadcast and print PSAs which explain the importance of appropriate international disaster relief and build support for international disaster relief work done by well-established, U.S.-based international disaster relief organizations.
PSAid is sponsored by the Center for International Disaster Information (CIDI). This activity is made possible by the generous support of the American people through the Agency for International Development (AID). CIDI educates the public on the best way to respond to international disasters in a productive manner. PSAid provides students the ability to be part of this worthy cause by alerting the public to the vital importance of cash donations to most effectively and efficiently help international disaster victims. Simply put, Cash is Best, when it comes to helping international disaster victims. Cash allows responders to quickly meet victims' most urgent needs; cash is the most efficient donation incurring no transportation costs; and cash helps stimulate recovering local economies. Non-cash donations, also called gifts in-kind, take time and money to transport, rarely meet victims' urgent needs, and often interfere with professional relief efforts and frequently clash with cultural norms.
The PSAid competition is in its 5th year and student response has yielded impressive entries from colleges and universities across the nation. In 2009, students from Arizona State University, California Institute of the Arts, and the University of Southern California swept the competition with winners from each school in both the print and broadcast categories. In 2008 with the introduction of the new print category, more students were able to participate. The top three prizes in both categories were awarded to students from Florida State University, Arizona State University, Savannah College of Art and Design, University of Michigan and the University of Southern California. In 2007, the University of Southern California swept the competition by winning the top three prizes. The 2006 winners hailed from Florida State University, Oakland University, SUNY Plattsburgh and San Jose State University. This year, PSAid judges are looking for even more creativity to convey the "to help the most, cash is best" message. Find out more in Quick Tips from the Judges.
Students will compete for part of $30,000 in cash prizes. In addition to the cash prizes, students will benefit greatly from this career-enhancing experience, but more importantly, from the ability to support the actual needs of international disaster victims. Students will learn about international disaster relief, put their production skills to the test, and ultimately help educate the American public on the best methods to support those affected by international disasters. By helping promote the Cash is Best message, students will be part of improving the future of disaster victims who benefit most from cash donations to support their most urgent needs.
PSAid submissions will be accepted from January 4, 2010 through March 29, 2010 by electronic upload at www.psaid.org. Five finalists in each category will be announced on or about April 9, 2010 with online public voting to follow from approximately April 9 - April 18, 2010. The three winners in each category will be announced on or about April 21, 2010. For further details please see the contest FAQ and Rules and Guidelines.