Annual PSA Video Contest
General Directions
Read all directions carefully
Pick a topic and develop a PSA video that meets the criteria
Can be created individually or as part of a producer group of up to four. You can include as many people on screen as needed.
Ensure that all footage is shot by video producers, no stock footage.
The use of any Artificial Intelligence (AI) is prohibited, including use in script, images, video, animation, editing, etc.
PSA videos should be 30-60 seconds long total, including any fade-in/outs and closing visuals
Name your exported file with producer name, topic number, and your high school, EXAMPLE - BrickeyTopic2Franklin. If there are multiple producers, please include all.
Copyrighted Material -If you include any copyrighted materials, your entry must obtain PERMISSION WAIVERS or Creative Commons Licensing obtained from their sources. All videos, photos, and music must be original OR proof of permission to use the copyrighted elements must be obtained. Videos that contain unauthorized copyrighted elements will be disqualified. You are permitted to use the SacBreathe logo.
Creative Commons Music - If you use music under a Creative Commons license, you may credit the music in very small type for a few frames at the bottom of the screen within the final moments of your PSA. Additionally, you may also credit it within the PSA’s YouTube description.
Calling all 6th-12th graders in Sacramento County and the City of West Sacramento to create 30-60 second PSA videos focused on air quality and lung health issues.
Key Dates
August 15: Contest opens!
Fall Date TBD: Office Hours
Winter Date TBD: Office Hours
February 20: Submission Deadline @ 11:59pm
March 6: Winners announced at PSA Screening Event, more details to come
March 9: All entrants contacted with results via email
Chose a topic:
Topic 1: Harms and Impacts of Commercial Tobacco
Focus: Commercial tobacco use, production, and disposal has incredibly negative impacts on air quality and lung health of individuals and communities. At SacBreathe, we aim to educate on the impacts of tobacco on air quality, provide resources to current tobacco and nicotine users and their families, and advocate for changes to policies that support clean air and healthy lungs.
Common themes/ideas: Educating the community about harms of commercial tobacco and the environment, commercial tobacco as a health equity and social justice issue, tobacco-related diseases and health disparities, new products, the vaping epidemic. Providing resources for current tobacco and nicotine users. Advocate for policies in your community or at your school.
Call to Action: This PSA should end with either
the SacBreathe logo and the closing line "Learn more at sacbreathe.org”
direct viewers to either KickIT CA or a local quitting resource
Resources: Learn more about the harms of commercial tobacco.
Truth Initiative - Youth and Young Adult Nicotine Addiction Prevention & Education
Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids
California Youth Advocacy Network
Sierra Club Environmental Justice and Tobacco Control Project
*THESE PSA VIDEOS SHOULD NOT CONTAIN DEPICTIONS OF SMOKING OR VAPING BEHAVIOR (PRODUCT, HAND-TO-MOUTH, INHALING,ETC.), REAL TOBACCO PRODUCTS UNLESS IT IS REAL FOUND LITTER, PACKAGING, OR LIGHTERS OR OTHER IGNITION DEVICES.*Topic 2: Air Quality Education and Information
Focus: Since 1917, SacBreathe has been dedicated to advocating for clean air through education, outreach, and local partnerships. We work to create a healthier, more breathable future - one marked by cleaner air, stronger policies, and healthier lungs.
Common themes/ideas: Educating the community about our region’s specific air quality issues, general air quality education, at-home air quality improvement and mitigation tips, community resource education, air quality monitoring education, the importance of cleaner air for all, the health impacts of poor air quality.
Call to Action: This PSA should end with “Take action today by making #MyCleanAirPledge and committing to one small action to improve our air quality. Visit sacbreathe.org to learn more and take the pledge!” with the #MyCleanAirPledge on screen
Resources: Learn more about air quality.
Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District
California Air Resources Board
American Lung Association State of the Air
Topic 3: Food Scraps Recycling and Recovery
Focus: SacBreathe’s Food Scraps & Recycling program empowers schools and communities to reduce food waste, promote sustainability, and foster environmental stewardship. Through education, collaboration, and student leadership, we support the implementation of sustainable waste diversion practices that align with California’s environmental goals. Our mission is to advocate for systemic policy change while creating lasting behavioral shifts that benefit public health, improve air quality, conserve resources, and build a cleaner, greener future. The Food Scraps & Recycling Program is designed to divert compostable and recyclable materials from landfills, reducing methane emissions and environmental impact. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, municipal Solid Waste (MSW) landfills are a major source of human-related methane emissions in the United States, accounting for approximately 14.3% of these emissions in 2021. California’s Short-Lived Climate Pollutant Reduction Strategy (SB 1383) requires schools, businesses, and residential properties to recycle organic waste to cut landfill methane emissions and recover edible food for redistribution. Short-Lived Climate Pollutant Reduction Strategy (SB 1383) requires schools, businesses, and residential properties to recycle organic waste to cut landfill methane emissions and recover edible food for redistribution.
Common themes/ideas: Educating on how to sort waste properly, what happens after your waste is taken from your cans, learn to become a “Super Sorter”, educating on how reducing food waste reduces human-related methane emissions and overall transportation.
Call to Action: This PSA should end with “Get resources for sorting at home, school, and work. Visit sacbreathe.org to learn more!”
Resources: Learn more about food scraps and recycling.
End slides and logo for use
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I enter more than one video?
A: No, you can only submit one video with your name as a producer.
Q: Is the PSA runtime flexible?
A: No, it must be at least 30 seconds and no longer than 60 seconds including any end graphics.
Q: Can I use whatever music I want?
A: No. You must follow copyright law, any music or sound effects must be licensed.
Q: How do I upload my video?
A: Upload the video to YouTube, DO NOT set the video to “Private” - set it to UNLISTED or PUBLIC and load your credits in the detail area.
Q: Do I put credits on my video?
A: No, like commercials PSA videos do not have credits. If you need to included music credits due to Creative Commons license, then add a very small text at the bottom of the required graphic and list the credit in the video description.
Q: I still have questions!
A: Please contact Ellen Brickey at EBrickey@sacbreathe.org
Check out past winners here!
