Involvement and concern.
That is what Doug Donaldson, NDP MLA Stikine and Dan Hamhuis, defence man with the Vancouver Canucks, want to encourage among youth.
The pair have teamed up for the Don't Let Apathy Score campaign, aimed at youth aged 13-18 living in Hazelton, Moricetown, Smithers and Telkwa.
"It's in connection to the whole idea of bullying and people getting engaged to stand up," Donaldson said.
"It's also about how you get engaged in your community."
For example, Donaldson said, the Idle No More movement was one such opportunity for youth to stand up and get involved.
To enter, participants should create a piece of visual art, drawing, painting, photography, or any other visual medium, no larger than 11 x 17.
The piece should show and understanding of apathy, or how the participant is involved or concerned with something in school or the community.
The deadline for submission is 3 p.m., March 6, 2013.
This is the third such collaboration between Donaldson and Hamhuis.
The first contest, Don't Let Gangs Score, tackled gang behaviour in the Stikine riding and last year's contest was Don't Let Cyber-bullying Score.
"The cyber-bullying campaign turned out to be a good choice as the year went on as some of the terrible things happened," Donaldson said referring to the suicide of Amanda Todd October 12, 2012, following prolonged cyber-bullying.
The contests, Donaldson said, are a way he and Hamhuis can help promote community involvement particularly among youths.
"It's worked out really well," Donaldson said.
Top prize is a pair of Hawkair tickets to Vancouver, a pair of Canucks tickets and one-night hotel accommodation.
For more information call 250-847-8841, or 250-842-6338.