THE JOEL VANCE MEMORIAL
EXCELLENCE IN OUTDOOR COMMUNICATION AWARDS
Joel Vance was a founding member of Missouri Outdoor Communicators and started his writing career as a reporter in Montgomery, AL covering important events such as the bus boycott in 1955. In 1967, Joel moved to Jefferson City, Mo. where he started his 25-year career with the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) as a staff writer for the Missouri Conservationist.
Joel’s proudest contribution to the MDC involved promoting and writing the “Design for Conservation” outlining the constitutionally dedicated sales tax to push conservation forward in Missouri. This proposal is the blueprint for similar initiatives across the nation. Consequently, the MDC is one of the most trusted and financed agencies in the country. He prophetically wrote in 1975, “Heritage is something passed along. How sad if all we pass to those who will remember us is noise and pollution and concrete. How sad never to hear the sweet voice of a bluebird, never to see the dogwoods in bloom, never to know the majesty of an oak-mantled Ozark bluff. That is the sorrow we must not allow to occur in the tomorrows of the future.”
This annual competition recognizes members of Missouri Outdoor Communicators for excellence in craft throughout our industry. These prestigious awards are presented at MOC’s annual conference to the best entries in three categories: Youth in the Outdoors, Outdoor Destination and Photography.
Entries for the 2024 Joel Vance Excellence in Outdoor Communications Awards must be submitted to Kyle Stewart no later than May 5, 2024.
Missouri conservation heritage foundation ANNUAL YOUTH IN THE OUTDOORS WRITING CONTEST
Since 2016, MOC has hosted a writing contest focused on the importance of getting our youth involved in the great outdoors sponsored by the Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation.
Everyone in our group should understand the importance of encouraging kids to get involved in and establish a love and appreciation for nature and the great outdoors. This is an important part of MOC’s mission and practicing the Three Rs - Recruit, Retain and Reactivate.
This contest is designed to give our members a chance to win a prestigious contest with a plaque for first place as well as a cash prize of $100.00. The second place entry will be awarded a certificate and a $50.00 cash prize.
The contest requires one or two entries per active media member. Complete entries will include an original copy with the author's name, dates of publication and name of the outlet the story was published in.
To be considered, stories must be about kids pursuing outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, etc. or a how-to story on how to take kids hunting or fishing, etc. There are no length limits for stories.
Entries must be submitted by May 5, 2024
Awards will be presented at the 2024 Missouri Outdoor Communicators annual conference.
Stories can be submitted via email at Kyle@TBWGroup.net.
Hard copies of entries should be mailed to:
Kyle Stewart
125 E High Street, Suite 200
Jefferson City, MO 65101
If you have any questions in regard to the youth writing contest, please email Kyle Stewart at Kyle@TBWGroup.net.