26 days ago
<T-1 HOUR: Reminder of Our Certification Program (ALL Invited) + Some Final Tips!
Hiya Folks,
Just under T-1 HOUR to the deadline & will send some final notes, but first a reminder: PLEASE E-MAIL US IF INTERESTED IN THE CERTIFICATE OF CLIMATE LEADERSHIP AND INNOVATION... Requirements are in the link, but the brief is that you need to attend OR view 4 x workshops, join 2 x networking/ mentorship sessions (you're welcome to connect with us organizers next week too if you didn't this weekend, or to attend our finals to meet the requirement), submit a project to CCM OR do one of many alternative things to demonstrate climate leadership (e.g. volunteering), and complete a final reflection. This is especially ideal for folks who've already been attending workshops, or will be checking our our recordings. The deadline to express interest for this is WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8TH, we'll then send more instructions once you e-mail.
NOTE: The certification program is an individual achievement that happens in conjunction with CCM, but is separate from bonus points or even your submission. Folks can indeed earn the certificate even if not submitting a project, and credit can be given to watching workshop recordings if completed some added steps (you don't always have to view them live). Do just reach out if interested & will let know all details.
And lastly, we do also have some FINAL TIPS as you put together your final vidoes:
- DON'T test us about the 4 MINUTES, please try to stay within time & while we sometimes give a slight grace out of our uber-niceness, please know that we will be asking judges not to view submissions beyond maybe a 10-second grace.
- DO check the core documents folder & especially the RUBRIC (link here)... Use it as a cross-check to ensure your video has covered the core points, that there is a balance & that there aren't any big gaps in your submission; look at things holistically
- DON'T always follow every piece of advice you've gotten from mentors, judges or even us... Listen to the feedback, but be critical about what you can & cannot implement
- DO use the written part of the Devpost submission. It may be difficult to cover everything you could in the video, but there is some strategy there in using the written components to complement the rest & feel free to even create new headings if needed.
- DON'T be over-technical in what you submit... You're welcome to share code but that's more a bonus, remember that this challenge is inclusive to many types of innovation & our judges come from varied backgrounds, so speak to your average person viewing
- DO keep us informed about challenges... We believe centrally in a principle of equity & are open to making accommodations when needed, so keep up communication lines & let us know ASAP re: submission issues or the like, we'll do our best to help
- DON'T hesitate to reach out with questions & especially if you haven't engaged as much with us or mentors in the past, we are here to help, know that there's a lot to keep in mind at a challenge like ours; And it is SO OKOAY to feel at least a little bit nervous
- And finally, DO have fun... There's SO many incredible pitches & so many incredible ways to compellingly, so do take some time to admire some of your peers' submissions when the gallery goes live & stay tuned for the FINALS on the 26th, CANNOT WAIT peeps!!
OH... And linked to all the above but also mentioned a ton in our many different workshops & especially the one on storytelling/ the video, a final final reminder: Your challenge is to tell a COMPELLING STORY about your project, that captures the key elements of the rubric above & centers itself on the "why" behind the reasons you even embarked on this journey in the first place 
YOU GOT THIS people... Can't wait to see all the submissions come in, it's already looking like it may be a near-record number of submissions from early signs!!
With many thanks & kind regards,
Shitangshu & the CCM Team