Name *

First Name

Last Name

Phone *

(###)

###

####

Please select one of the following topics to address. In response, please submit an essay or a creative video addressing this topic. *

200 word limit for essay, 2 minute limit for creative video

The Al Smith dinner brings together leaders of diverse political and religious views each year in support of a common cause: to help New Yorkers in need. Describe a time where someone else’s perspective changed how you see something. What led you to consider and trust their view? What was the outcome?

If you could have dinner with the Mayor of New York City, what would you tell him or her is the most pressing challenge that New York City faces currently? What advice would you give for improving this issue? How should the city’s leaders implement your advice?

If you could redesign your school so that everyone learned better, how would you design it? Why would this be important? What impact would it have?

Al Smith was the first Catholic candidate to become the Democratic party’s presidential nominee. What is the importance of religious freedom and religious diversity? How has religion impacted your life or your community?

Media and the arts play a big role in communicating current events to the public. Describe a book, article, movie, play, or artwork you recently read or saw that shaped your understanding of a current event and inspired you to take action. How did the author or creator capture your attention and interest? How are you bringing what you learned to help a wider audience?

In 1919, Al Smith signed a law into effect that overturned a rule prohibiting Major League Baseball teams from playing games on Sundays. How do sports bring community together? How have sports, professional or otherwise, lifted your community and provided opportunity?