Step 1:

Determine the age group you wish to target.

Step 2:

Determine how to judge the winners. For coloring contests it is best to choose the winner by a random drawing. Coloring is a small muscle control skill and you do not know how much help the child received from others. There is very little creativity involved.

Step 3:

Create a design to use for the contest. 1) If you know a graphic designer or artist who would be willing to help you create the design, you may be able to get his/her services donated in exchange for recognition on each poster. 2) Check your local library, the librarian may be able to direct you to law-related artwork. 3) Find ideas in a magazine, coloring book, or in the clip art section of your computer. 4) Use the statewide coloring picture.

Step 4:

Get the design printed. Consider enlarging the design to 11 x 17. Again, you may be able to partner with a local printer and receive his/her services as a donation. Or, you can use a copy machine. Leave room on the design for the entrant's name, address, phone number, age, and grade, or attach sample contest entry form.

Step 5:

Determine the contest deadline. If you are inviting your winners to a follow-up event like an awards ceremony, make sure you allow ample time for them to RSVP.

Step 6:

Determine prizes. Start early and you'll have a good chance at getting your prizes donated. Think of sponsors that fit your targeted age group.

Step 7:

Determine how and where to distribute the designs. Again, depending on the targeted age group, you may want to mail/drop off entries at schools, churches, day-care centers, a local YMCA, neighborhood businesses, etc.

Step 8:

Invite your winners to an awards ceremony. Host the ceremony in a courtroom and invite local judges to participate so that the students learn about other aspects of the legal system that are associated with Law Day.

Step 9:

Notify local media of your event. Send the newspaper a copy of the winning entries and a photograph of the winners.

Step 10:

Evaluate your contest. Determine what worked and what didn't. Make notes and develop a timeline in case you want to do it again in the future.