Ventura County residents ages 12 to 25 who are interested in making a change in their community are encouraged to write about it in a minimum of 500 words in the “Say It Straight Up” competition.

Prizes for the two age groups—12 to 17 and 18 to 25— include $100 in cash and gift certificates to several local attractions, including movie and live theatre venues and bowling alleys.

The contest host, Straight Up Ventura County, is a youth development project that promotes social change regarding underage and binge drinking and impaired driving in Ventura County.

Entrants may choose from subject matter such as: how youth are obtaining and using alcohol in the community, friend and peer influence regarding drinking, parents and other adults providing alcohol or allowing drinking, and how parents and youth can improve communication with each other.

The deadline is April 30. Entrants can download guidelines and an entry form from www .straightupvc.org/contest.