Show Your Support for the Youth, Peace and Security Act
by Making a Video
Youth populations have long been at the forefront of building peace in their communities – creating youth led movements, organizations and networks – to mitigate violence.
With the introduction of the Youth, Peace and Security Act, the U.S. now has a chance to establish a policy of support to youth peacebuilders worldwide and increase support for youth, peace, and security efforts around the globe.
Show your support for YPS by making a short video.
Take a moment to learn more about YPS by visiting our coalition partner’s sites: Alliance for Peacebuilding, Search for Common Ground and Peace Direct.
Plan what you want to say. Below are some suggested prompts.
Read over our how-to tips to for the best possible video.
Take the video! Try to keep it to less than one minute. When you have completed it, please send to STAND (The student-led movement to end mass atrocities) at info@standnow.org
Looking for more to do? Make your own posts on social media. There are helpful tips in this social media toolkit.
SUGGESTED PROMPTS FOR YOUR VIDEO
General Youth:
What does YPS mean to you?
What gets you excited about the YPS Act?
What would it mean to you to have your voice heard and work recognized?
Statement: “I am the missing peace.”
Statement: “I am a youth peacebuilder.”
Statement: “My voice is important because . . . “
International Youth:
How can this bill support your work?
Domestic Youth:
Why is it important to amplify the voices of youth peacebuilders in conflict zones around the world?
Non-Youth (Coalition CEO’s; peacebuilding influencers; “adults”):
Statement: “I wish I had the YPS Act when I was younger because…”
Statement: “Youth are the missing peace.”
Statement: “Youth voices are important because…”
How is the YPS Act revolutionary for US foreign policy?
TIPS FOR MAKING A GREAT VIDEO
LIGHTING - The light in your video can be the difference between a dull, blurry shot or a crisp, professional, engaging one.
What is your light source? Natural light makes for excellent filming, but try not to film in the middle of the day, when direct overhead light creates harsh shadows. Morning and evening light is much better, as it creates a softer, more flattering glow.
Where is the light? If you're filming outside, be aware of the position of the sun and/or clouds. Is the light directly in front of you, or are you backlit? Same thing goes for indoor filming: place your lights deliberately. While there are many detailed videos and diagrams online for how to make the best film set-up, just be sure that your face is well illuminated and you’re not backlit, which obscures your face.
Shadows: do you want harsh, dramatic shadows or a more even, professional look? One light placed to the side of your face will create those bold, dramatic shadows. Two lights bracketing your camera will result in a cleaner look.
NOTE YOUR BACKGROUND - Remember, you want people to pay attention to you and what you are saying. If your background is distracting, your watchers may start paying more attention to it than you!
The best background to have while filming is a solid, one color background. A sheet, a wall with no distractions, or drapes on your windows will likely do the trick. Be sure to stand or sit slightly away from the background, and be aware of the shadows you're casting. You can use another light, placed behind you and pointed at the background, to help alleviate shadows.
Clean it up. If you’re filming in your room or house and can’t use a solid background, do your best to make the area in the camera shot clean. Remove extra distractions, like toys, clothes, or books. The focus of the video is you, not your environment!
If you're filming outside, be aware of what else is going on in your environment. Is there a noisy highway near you? Are you in a busy location where runners and walkers are frequently passing through the background? Are there some stunningly beautiful cherry trees behind you? All these things are distractions for the watcher, try to minimize them whenever possible.
AUDIO - Is it easier to listen to someone with crisp audio or a static mumble? Even if your equipment is not for 5 star shooting, you can still choose a quiet environment to minimize background noise, and speak as clearly as possible.
KEEP IT STILL - A shaky video is distracting and unprofessional. Try setting your camera on a stand or other object to get the most clear, steady picture possible.
USE LANDSCAPE - Use the back camera instead of the front, and film horizontally (landscape style) so your video transfers nicely to larger screens like computers.
CONFIDENCE - You are speaking to an audience, and if you appear distracted or nervous your viewers might lose interest or respect. To maintain your credibility and your viewers interest, be confident! Speak clearly, have good posture, and try to avoid mumbling and looking away from the camera.
Be aware of how fast you are speaking. Many people speak faster or slower than usual when they are being filmed. Unless that is a conscious choice to help the effect of the video, try to maintain a normal speaking pace.
Where are your arms? Are you using natural gestures as you speak, or are your arms stiff at your sides? Are you nervously twirling a pencil or taping your fingers? Be aware of what your arms and hands are doing.
Smile! And recognize that it might take a few tries to get a video you're happy with.
PLAN what you're going to say and do before you film. It is so important to know what you're doing before the camera starts rolling! Have an outline of what you are going to say, maybe practice a few times with someone.
Know which points you are going to emphasize, what the volume of your voice will be for each section. What effect are you trying to create, and how are you going to create it? Change your wording and body language if you need to reflect that.
Spontaneity is good sometimes, but for a convincing video you should have the basest of outlines to help organize your thoughts and make it easier for your viewers to follow.