It seems that these days, everyone has an opinion about how our federal budget should be spent, cut or balanced. 

Youth are disproportionately affected by budget cuts, but often don't have a voice in the debate -- until now.

The American Friends Service Committee and National Priorities Project are pleased to announce the second annual If I Had a Trillion Dollars (IHTD) national youth video contest.

The IHTD Youth Film Festival asks young people to speak out on the federal budget and to consider how our nation prioritizes spending and revenue generation.  

Who? The contest is open to individuals and groups of youth age 23 or younger; actress and activist Susan Sarandon heads up an esteemed panel of judges

What? Videos must be 3 minutes or less in length and chronicle how the video maker(s) would spending $1 trillion

When? Videos must be received by January 15, 2012    

Where? April 7 to April 10 -- AFSC and NPP will hold a youth leadership conference, film festival and screening for members of Congress in Washington, DC. Those whose videos are curated into the festival are invited to attend. 

What else?

AFSC and NPP offer a host of resource materials available on the federal budget and critical issues often missing from the debate such as tax cuts for the wealthiest and war spending.

Travel scholarships are available.

To see last year's winners, visit the IHTD 2010 winners page.

For more information about If I Had a Trillion Dollars, click here.

The U.S. federal budget is not just a bunch of numbers. It's a blueprint of what we value as a nation. If I Had a Trillion Dollars asks young people to understand their budget and tell us if it represents what they believe is most important -- most needed -- at this critical moment in history.

What would the next generation do with $1 trillion dollars?  

Please join us and help us spread the word about this important project!