In partnership with the GRAMMY Museum, we invite students to produce original songs that take a stand against human rights abuses. Using their own voices and perspectives, students can create meaningful change on pressing issues such as sexual harassment and assault, bullying, police brutality and other important topics related to social justice. The contest winner will participate in a GRAMMY-related event.

Submissions are judged by a panel of music industry professionals who have worked with artists such as Beyoncé, Justin Bieber, Miley Cyrus, Katy Perry and Kelly Clarkson.

1. Check out previous contest winners, and listen to other songs about social justice to get a sense of the messages and song structure.
2. Think about human rights issues that resonate with you. What do you want to write about? What do you want the audience to walk away with after hearing your song? If you’re in need of some inspiration, read about our STTP Defenders to learn about the work they have done around the world, have a look at the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, or think about human rights abuses you’ve witnessed in your own life. What is something that you feel you have to speak up about? (Remember, no matter how old you are, you have a voice!)
3. Have a look at our resources to learn how to write and record an original song.
4. Make sure you follow the Contest Guidelines below:
   • Submission must be an original student composition
   • Submission must be performed by the student songwriter(s)
   • The song may be performed a cappella or with accompaniment
   • The song must demonstrate positivity and not victimization
5. HAVE FUN!! The contest is open to any genre of music so don’t be afraid to experiment.

Website: https://rfkhumanrights.org/work/teaching-human-rights/contests/music-contest

Managing Organization: ROBERT F. KENNEDY HUMAN RIGHTS

Contact:
Jenny Girardi
girardi@rfkhumanrights.org

Eligibility:
Middle and High School Students.

In partnership with the GRAMMY Museum, we invite students to produce original songs that take a stand against human rights abuses. Using their own voices and perspectives, students can create meaningful change on pressing issues such as sexual harassment and assault, bullying, police brutality and other important topics related to social justice. The contest winner will participate in a GRAMMY-related event.

Submissions are judged by a panel of music industry professionals who have worked with artists such as Beyoncé, Justin Bieber, Miley Cyrus, Katy Perry and Kelly Clarkson.

1. Check out previous contest winners, and listen to other songs about social justice to get a sense of the messages and song structure.
2. Think about human rights issues that resonate with you. What do you want to write about? What do you want the audience to walk away with after hearing your song? If you’re in need of some inspiration, read about our STTP Defenders to learn about the work they have done around the world, have a look at the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, or think about human rights abuses you’ve witnessed in your own life. What is something that you feel you have to speak up about? (Remember, no matter how old you are, you have a voice!)
3. Have a look at our resources to learn how to write and record an original song.
4. Make sure you follow the Contest Guidelines below:
   • Submission must be an original student composition
   • Submission must be performed by the student songwriter(s)
   • The song may be performed a cappella or with accompaniment
   • The song must demonstrate positivity and not victimization
5. HAVE FUN!! The contest is open to any genre of music so don’t be afraid to experiment.

Website: https://rfkhumanrights.org/work/teaching-human-rights/contests/music-contest

Managing Organization: ROBERT F. KENNEDY HUMAN RIGHTS

Contact:
Jenny Girardi
girardi@rfkhumanrights.org

Entry Fee:

Eligibility:
Middle and High School Students.