The Human Rights and Relation Commission of Edina (HRRC) is hosting an essay contest this fall. The stated goal of the competition is “to raise awareness about human rights challenges and opportunities among those who live, work and study in the City of Edina and acknowledge and recognize those who are giving thoughtful consideration to issues of human rights.”

The contest has two distinct levels: Junior, for participants 13 to 17 years old, and Adult, for participants 18 and older. Participants are meant to respond to all of the following prompts in their essay.

• How does discrimination affect women and girls in our country, state and community today?
• Does race, nationality, socioeconomic status, ability or educational level play a role, and if so, how?
• What action can you take or have you taken, and what can we do as a community?

All of the essays are focused on human rights. The Junior Level essays must be less than 800 words, while Adult Level essays can be up to 1,200 words long.

Entries are due Nov. 2, 2017 and can be submitted through the City of Edina website. The winners of each level will be honored at the Dec. 5 City Council Meeting. At the meeting, winners will get to read their essays aloud, and then receive a certificate of recognition from the HRRC and the Mayor. The Junior Level and Adult Level winners will be awarded a 50 and 100 dollar Barnes and Noble gift certificate, respectively.

For more information regarding this opportunity, please visit https://www.edinamn.gov/1340/Human-Rights-Essay-Contest.