create peace through
your musiC ANd SPOKEN WORD
Milwaukee County Kids 14-18 years
Watch this video to answer your questions and get what you need to enter
contest rules
Important Dates and Info
4/2/26: Entries start
5/15/26: Entry deadline is Midnight Milwaukee time
5/18/26: All entries uploaded onto the America Heals YouTube channel for public voting for TEN DAYs.
5/28/26: YouTube channel voting numbers are tabulated - (midnight Milwaukee time) AND Top 10 winners announced!
6/4/26: Top 10 Winner’s LIVE performance in front of a panel of distinguished judges who determine the final 10 prize line up.
Location: Elm Creative Arts School, 900 W Walnut Street, Milwaukee, WI 53205
Time: 6:00pm
ALL will be welcome to attend the final showcase on 6/4/26!
Awards:
1st Place: $3,000
2nd Place: $2200
3rd Place: $1600
4th Place: $1200
5th Place: $1000
6th Place: $800
7th Place: $700
8th Place: $600
9th Place: $500
10th Place: $400
Theme: I Create Peace and Love thru Music
Important Info:
Entry categories:
Original Music
Original spoken word
Groups and Individuals are encouraged:
Note: group submissions share the award amongst participants.
Submit as many entries as you wish to increase your odds of winning. *Note: Only one prize per person/group.
File type: MP4 video recording
File Length: 3-4 minutes
Entry Fees: FREE
Age: 14-18 (must be 18 - by entry date and must not have reached 19th birthday by 5/15/26)
All entries must be submitted through online form and parents signed waiver completed. Linked here.
Entries must showcase an original song, spoken word that fosters peace - By encouraging peaceful actions, attitudes, or emotions. Check out the Student Copyright Guide.
Entries shall not be more than 4 minutes in duration.
Multiple entries are allowed and encouraged. (Note: one prize per person only. Groups share prize money.)
No video edits are allowed in the entries.
While backing tracks are allowed, all submissions must include a live performance aspect as you will be performing LIVE on June 4. Example: If the piece has lyrics, the entrant must actually be performing the vocal part.
Checklist
1.Watch the video above for quick instructions on how to enter the Peace Contest.
2. Read, download, and sign the copyright rules and laws below, linked here, and within the entry form. Check out the Student Copyright Guidefor additional helpful info.
3. Are you aged 14-18 in Milwaukee County? This contest is specific to Milwaukee county.
4. Make sure to have your parents sign the release and waiver form linked here and within the entry form.
5. Submit your original music or spoken word, creating your version of peace and love by clicking on the big orange buttons on this page.
6. We are here to support you. Ask questions or curiosities by emailing americaheals.21@gmail.com. Melanie Olsen or Gene Ferrera will be happy to help.
COPYRIGHT EXPECTATIONS (AND LAWS)
Copyright infringement is a serious crime and it is not allowed in this contest. We are looking for original works coming straight from your heart and soul.
Make sure to read about copyright laws here and ask your parents or us if you have any questions.
Check out the Student Copyright Guide with examples of what you CAN and CAN NOT use within your submission.
Zachary Johnson
Zachary Johnson was the founder of America Heals and The Living Experiment in Non-Violence. Growing up on the violent streets of Gary, Indiana, Chicago, Illinois, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Zach spent his life in the pursuit of finding internal peace and helping others. Zach saw LOVE as the antidote to violence and envisioned a world where we center all actions in LOVE and with small acts of kindness.
Zach, it was because of you that we were able to get this grant to do the contest and we hope we make you proud in the great beyond that your work goes on through the hands of us. Zach passed away in January of 2023.
Let us keep the work going.
