The University of Delaware invites its students to join the campus-wide conversation with "Speak Up!" — the third annual audio essay contest hosted by the Center for Political Communication.

What does democracy mean to you? Where do you think democracy is headed? How do you fit in? How do you see your role as a citizen in our democracy? Have you ever wanted or needed to defend your own rights or ideas? Submit a 2- to 4-minute recorded essay about your experience.

The Speak Up! contest is open to students currently enrolled in UD degree or certificate programs. Entries must be electronically submitted by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 6, 2019.

The contest's first prize is $500, second prize is $250, third prize is $100 and there are three honorable mention prizes of $50 each. Radio stations WDDE and WVUD will broadcast the winning essays. For contest information and guidelines, please visit: http://cpc.udel.edu/speakup