In an effort to change attitudes and behaviors about youth substance use, Idaho Public Television’s new awareness campaign, Welcome to the Unaltered State, is inviting Idaho 12-to-18-year-olds to enter a video contest for a chance to win part of $10,000 in cash prizes.
“We are excited to transition our KNOW VAPE teen video contest to the Welcome to the Unaltered State contest so kids can produce content about all dangerous and illicit substances, not just vapes,” says Austin Henderson, communication specialist at Idaho Public Television. “Since 2022, we’ve received really compelling, creative, and never-seen-before video concepts from teens from across Idaho for the KNOW VAPE contest. By opening up the contest to address all substances and the inclusion of mental health in this issue, I’m sure Idaho teens will help us understand how we talk to youth about substance use.”
Welcome to the Unaltered State is a youth substance-use awareness campaign developed by Idaho Public Television in partnership with the Idaho Millennium Fund, Idaho’s public health districts, the Idaho Departments of Education and Juvenile Corrections, law enforcement agencies, nonprofits, drug prevention experts and others.
“Welcome to the Unaltered State is an invitation to consider the benefits of a substance-free lifestyle,” explains Welcome to the Unaltered State executive producer Jennie Sue Weltner. “It’s also a community call to action to fight for a substance-free future for our kids.” Two factors are contributing to a dangerous landscape for Idaho kids: a youth mental health crisis and easy-to-access illicit drugs. To address these root issues, the campaign takes an unprecedented approach to a drug prevention campaign.
“Instead of perpetuating scare tactics and traumatizing imagery of drug use, the campaign showcases the benefits of living substance-free, especially in a place like Idaho, and building better connections within our communities,” explains Henderson.
The Welcome to the Unaltered State teen video contest is open to all Idahoans 12 to 18 years old. Creators are asked to produce a video, no longer than 90 seconds, that empowers youth from using substances in the first place. Organizers ask that participants steer clear of scare tactics in their submissions. Up to two videos may be submitted by an individual or a team.
The deadline for submitting to the contest is April 7, 2025. Winners will be announced in May 2025. Guidelines, rules, judging criteria and entry form are online here. A total of $10,000 in cash prizes will be awarded to winners. Winning videos will be broadcast on IdahoPTV and shared across social media channels.
