A video contest is now underway as part of the Step In, Step Up anti-gang initiative launched this week by the Prince George RCMP's community policing office.
And no, you don't need a fancy camera, studio lighting and a sound stage for your entry. All you need is a cellphone with a camera, said community policing coordinator Linda Parker.
But if you do win, your work will be reproduced professionally and shown on the screens at the Prince George Cineplex.
The contest is open to youth 13 to 18 years old and entrants are asked to create a 60-second public service announcement with an anti-gang message.
Applications are available at area high schools, Youth Around Prince George (YAP), 1148-7th Ave. across from city hall, and online at www.communitypolicing.princegeorge.ca. A dedicated e-mail address has been set up for those with questions, [email protected].
A Step In Step Up Facebook page has also been established to give youth the opportunity to discuss anti-gang related topics and to get updates on program events.
It's also home to another contest. Those who "like" the page are eligible to win various prizes from community sponsors such as the Pine Centre Mall, the Family Y and Famous Players Theatres.
The contests are part of a launch of a three-year program funded by the provincial government's civil forfeiture program.