I have just about completed my submission for the Greenbelt prize. In short the prize is $10,000 dollars that will be given to a creative individual with an idea to promote the greenbelt. The prize is being sponsored (or at least executed by CHUMTV) They are looking for

A competition looking for:
• the funniest…
• or the most compelling
• or the most descriptive
• or the most entertaining…

• Skit…
• or cartoon
• or dance
• or comedy routine
• or clothes design or graphic design
• or article or photograph…
• or painting or sculpture
• or poem or short story…
• or song or food dish or…

My idea isn’t exactly on the list. What I proposed is more of a multimedia mosaic (that ultimately I hope will include several photographs, interviews, audio, songs, skits…. you get the point. Here is my propostion if I win the prize.

1) Build a webspace home for the project. People who find their way to it (shouldn’t be hard if I get on TV !!! or I’ll also promote it on CIUT radio via the Green Majority)((i’ll post again soon about the radio show…)
2) I will call up my network of collegues in the enviro/sustainability and new media spaces to promote it to and ask for a contribution of their skills/ knowledge/resources

3) I will post a calendar on the webspace so I can plan a road trip of the greenbelt from end to end (of course I will build a custom google map for the trip!). While on the roadtrip (anyone know where I can borrow a biodiesel car?) I (and hopefully a bunch of you can join me) will collect an enormous amount of audio/video interviews, comments, performances (see multimedia mosaic above), images and other resources. The whole thing will of course be blogged/podcast in progress. Since I have a prelim budget for the 10,000 sketched out there is room for other ** extra cool features** like a voicemail line for anyone to call and leave there thoughts about the greenbelt.

4) I know what you’re thinking, how could this get any cooler? Well… all the media that is collected will be released under a creative commons license. As such any groups/individuals working to raise awareness/protect the greenbelt will be able to freely use these resources to spread their message. Just think about the imagery alone, what a resource for a community group trying to build a local webspace to gain support for preotecting the greenbelt. Having a free database of imagery is extremely helpful when trying to build a powerful, media rich tool such as a website.

That’s the rough idea anyway. If I don’t get a chance to present my idea on TV (leaving me out of the running for the grand prize) and you want to send me $10,000 to do it anyway you can contact me here

If you want to take your own crack at the prize then send an email to greenbeltprize@chumtv.com to get a copy of the entry form.

If you want to see that I do get a shot at the prize then maybe drop them a note and say hey pick Ryan Wiseman. I will of course keep posting as I find out more details.