The following information was provided by the Watertown Human Rights Commission:
The Watertown Human Rights Commission is hosting a Youth Logo Design Contest, and will hold an open house to learn more about the contest on Oct. 7.
The contest winner will receive a $100 gift card, and the runner-up will receive recognition.
An open info session will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 7 from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m at the Watertown Free Public Library.
The deadline for submissions is Oct. 22. Send artwork to dnewton@watertown-ma.gov
Contest guidlines:
Youth Logo Design Contest – Fall 2025 – Overview
Purpose of the Contest
The WHRC is inviting young people in Watertown to take part in a logo design contest to help create the image that will represent the Commission. The goal is to foster civic engagement, build awareness of human rights issues, and invite youth voices into the public sphere.
What is the Watertown Human Rights Commission?
The Watertown Human Rights Commission (WHRC), established in 2024, promotes equity, inclusion, and access for all residents. It works to ensure equal opportunity in housing, employment, education, city services, and more—regardless of background or identity. The WHRC engages the community through outreach, public forums, education, and dialogue, and supports local organizations in doing equity and human rights work.
What are Human Rights?
We encourage anyone who is interested in submitting a design to learn more about human rights and reflect on why human rights matter to you. Here are some resources to learn more about human rights and why they matter:
- The United Nations Declaration of Human Rights for young people
- Human Rights Explained for Kids (video)
- Consider: How would you define “human rights”? Which human rights are most important to you? What would Watertown look like if everyone’s human rights were fully protected and valued?
Who Can Participate in the Contest
Open to all young people in Watertown, with a focus on middle and high school students.
Submission Guidelines
- Must include the full name: “Watertown Human Rights Commission”
- May reflect themes such as
- People – diverse, connected, or symbolic
- The river – a meaningful connector in our community
- Peace – optional imagery like doves or unity symbols
- Should look good in color and black-and-white
- Designs may be hand-drawn or digitally created.
- Must be effective at different sizes (small and large print
- Submit on an 8.5” x 11” page (PDF, JPEG, or PNG format) large enough to seen
- Send entries to Doug Newton at dnewton@watertown-ma.gov with the youth artist’s name, age, and school.
- Due Date: October 22nd by 11:59 pm
- All applicants give the WHRC official support to use the logo (or parts of the logo) free of charge in future materials.
Have Questions or Want to Learn More?
Stop by the Watertown Public Library on Tuesday, October 7th between 3:30-5:00 pm to learn more about the Watertown Human Rights Commission, ask any questions you have about the contest, and share your ideas.
You can also send questions to Doug Newton at dnewton@watertown-ma.gov
*Submission Deadline: Wednesday, October 22nd – 11:59 PM
* Announcement of Selected Design and Runner-up – Mid to late November
* Sharing of Logos publicly at the International Day of Human Rights – December 10th
Awards
Prizes will be awarded to the winner and the first runner-up.
The chosen design will likely be featured on official WHRC materials, website, and social media.
How will we select the winning design?
The WHRC is assembling a small, thoughtful Selection Committee to evaluate submissions anonymously. The committee will include:
• Local educators
• Artists or graphic designers
• A marketing or branding professional
• WHRC members
• Youth representative(s)
The committee will meet once or twice (virtually or in-person) to review designs and select the winner based on clarity, relevance, creativity, and impact. A rubric will be designed to seek input from the committee.
Why This Matters
This project is an opportunity to:
• Uplift youth voices
• Raise awareness of the WHRC and its mission with youth and families
• Celebrate art, civic participation, and community values
Thank you so much for helping us promote human rights in Watertown!
As I’m sure the Watertown Human Rights Commission knows, October 7th will mark two years to the day that Hamas terrorists slaughtered 1,200 Israelis and kidnapped 250 more, perhaps 18 of whom may still be alive, still in captivity. It’s a tough issue to raise with middle and high school students, but many of the victims were that age and younger. I know the WHRC will have an appropriate commemoration in mind to honor the murdered and imprisoned of that day.
I agree, Josh, and would appreciate a response from the HRC.