the challenge

At MTV Switch, it’s not about what you can’t do… it’s about what you can.

That’s why this year, MTV Switch is excited to team up with Ashoka GenV to help you make a greater impact on the environment – by helping you turn your bright ideas into reality.

Come up with a creative idea for how you can make our planet cooler or greener and we will help you launch your own environmental project or “venture.”

Ashoka GenV will give you support and even seed funding of up to US$1,000 to put your ideas into action.

Ideas are reviewed on an on-going basis and projects can be launched anytime. Do not wait until December 31, 2008 (deadline) to submit your idea.

Here’s the step-by-step guide for how to take part in the Dream It. Do It. Challenge:

1) Dream It:

Come up with a creative (fun?) idea for improving our environment. The bigger the impact the better. Be original. Need inspiration? Check out Get Inspired or “Your Ideas” for some examples.

2) Submit It:

Send us your idea in just 200 words. Tell us: what’s your new idea, how you will create change, and what impact will you make. If you can send us your own photos to show us the “problem” or the “solution” or both. We will feature the best entries in “Your Ideas.”

3) Plan It:

Once we receive your idea, we will send you an action plan and help you plan your project well.

4) Do It:

Submit your action plan and present your project to a panel of mentors to receive feedback and advice.Once approved, you will receive your grant, and you are then ready to launch your environmental venture.Do it!

See Rules and Guidelines for more information on the Challenge.

Click for terms & conditions

MTV Switch

Switch is MTV Networks International's Global Climate Change Campaign. We'll be looking for the best ideas and innovations that can help us reinvent how we live in ways that are cool for us and the planet. (We'll also be getting ideas from you guys, no matter how wacky…) This isn't about what we can't do, it's about what we can. It's time to Switch.

Ashoka GenV

Ashoka GenV leads an international community of young people who are powerful now, changemakers now.  Ashoka GenV inspires and invests in teams of young people to create and launch their own lasting social ventures.  Ashoka GenV then connects them into a global movement and online community of young changemakers who are together redefining the youth years as a time of leadership and positive social change.

Staples Foundation for Learning

Since 2002, Staples Foundation for Learning has supported non-profit organizations around the world to teach, train and inspire people from all walks of life by providing educational opportunities. SFFL has partnered with Ashoka GenV since 2006 to support youth globally in launching their own social ventures.