The Maryland Judiciary's Mediation and Conflict Resolution Office (MACRO) is calling on students to contribute artwork for the 16th annual Conflict Resolution Day Bookmark Art Contest. This initiative is open to all Maryland students from kindergarten through eighth grade, in celebration of national Conflict Resolution Month in October and Conflict Resolution Day on October 21, 2021. Submissions must be made by Thursday, November 4, 2021.
Participants are encouraged to design bookmarks centered around themes of conflict resolution or prevention. Suggested topics include peer mediation, apologizing, respecting differences, dialogue, collaborative problem-solving, listening skills, tolerance, diversity and inclusion, peace-building efforts, and non-violent alternatives. The contest serves as a platform for teachers, parents, and students to engage in discussions about peaceful conflict resolution methods.
Maryland Court of Appeals Chief Judge Joseph M. Getty remarked on the contest's educational value: “The annual Conflict Resolution Day bookmark contest is a wonderful way to engage children in learning through art about resolving conflicts appropriately and peacefully.” He noted that over its 16-year history the contest has received more than 10,000 entries and encouraged participation from schools across Maryland as a means to promote important conversations regarding effective conflict resolution strategies.
Winners will be invited along with their families to an awards ceremony scheduled for December 2021. Entries will be evaluated based on artistic quality as well as the strength of their message related to conflict resolution or prevention. Originality is encouraged among participants. Prizes will be awarded for first ($100), second ($75), and third place ($50) across three age categories: grades K-2, grades 3-5, and grades 6-8. Selected winning designs will be printed and distributed throughout Maryland as part of promoting conflict resolution awareness. Winners whose designs are chosen for printing will receive copies of their printed bookmarks.
For further details including templates and submission instructions or to view an informational video about the contest visit MACRO’s bookmark contest web page at mdcourts.gov/macro/eventsconflictresolutionday.