Organizing a Poster Contest

The poster contest is an integral part of the Tar Wars program and reinforces the tobacco-free message presented during the classroom presentation. Please encourage your schools to participate in the poster contest and to send their winning posters to the Tar Wars state coordinator for the state poster contest. When talking with them about participating in the poster contest, be sure to communicate the following information.

• Follow the poster contest criteria set by the AAFP Tar Wars. Posters submitted to the state poster contest that do not adhere to these criteria may be disqualified. If you are not clear about any of the criteria, please contact the AAFP Tar Wars office for clarification at 800-TAR-WARS.
• Attach the official AAFP Tar Wars poster contest entry form to the winning poster. Please do not staple, tape, or glue this form to the poster.
• Send the winning poster to the state coordinator by the deadline set by your state.

If you are in charge of organizing a poster contest in your community, you may find the following checklists helpful.

• Reserve a location for your poster contest and display of posters.
• Secure judges, high profile if possible (a media VIP will almost always ensure some sort of coverage).
• Solicit local merchants for prizes or donated services.
• Track and number the posters for set up and judging.
  

• Send news releases to the media announcing the poster contest.
• Confirm availability of selected judges.
• Confirm attendance of invited media.
• Confirm location reservations.
• Send invitations to your event to the teachers, students, presenters, prize donors, and anyone else involved with the program.
• Make copies of the instructions and score sheet for judges.

• Remember to bring award ribbons, certificates, and prizes; judging instructions and score sheets, pencils, and clipboards; and other props or items for the contest.
• Arrive at the location early to set up posters.
• Meet with judges to clarify judging instructions.
• Start on time; end on time.
• Announce your community’s poster contest winners and tag the winning poster(s).
• Recognize prize donors.
• Send a press release to local media.