EMBRUN – Russell Township, one of the fastest-growing communities in the region with an 18.6 per cent population increase, is embracing diversity as more people bring unique backgrounds and experiences to the area. To celebrate and highlight this diversity, the Township is inviting youth to take part in the Youth Infographic and Video Challenge.

The Community, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee is calling on young people to create an original infographic or short video showcasing Russell Township’s cultural and linguistic diversity using demographic data. This is a chance to tell the story of the people who shape our community.

The challenge is open to youth aged 14 to 24 who live or study in Russell Township. Participants can enter individually or in teams of up to three members.

Contestants are being asked to create either an infographic (A 2D static graphic that visually represents demographic data in an engaging and easy-to-understand format or a short video (maximum 3 minutes) that creatively combines demographic data with storytelling.

When creating your entry, you must use reliable sources such as:

  • CANSIM (Statistics Canada’s socioeconomic database)
  • Russell Township’s Census Profile
  • Canada’s Open Data Portal

Each category, Infographic or Video, has two age groups:

  •  Ages 14-17
  • Ages 18-24

First place in each category is eligible to win $300 while second place in each category can win $150.

The submission guidelines are as follows:

  • Infographic entries must be submitted in PDF format.
  • Video entries must be under 3 minutes.
  • A 200-300 word description explaining the purpose and data analysis approach must accompany all submissions.
  • Citations for all data sources must be included.
  • Submissions must be sent to cdeiarussell@gmail.com.
  • Entries must be submitted by 11:59 PM on Thurs., April 24, 2025.

A panel of judges from the Township of Russell, the Community, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, local high schools, and an invited expert will evaluate submissions based on:

  • Content & relevance – How useful is the information for the audience?
  • Data accuracy – Is the data analysis sound and reliable?
  • Design & originality – Is it visually clear, engaging, and creative?

The Township of Russell will promote the challenge through its website and social media. Participants and schools are encouraged to  also share their involvement through their own channels. Winning entries may be featured in township materials.

For more details, visit Russell.ca or contact cdeiarussell@gmail.com.

The Sponsoring Councillor for this event is Lisa Deacon.

The members of the project team  are Kimberley Kargus (Lead), Ash Babber & Rev. Dr. James McKeown Quainoo.