Supporters, Volcom, etnies, and Planet Connect, Empower Youth to Grab Cameras for a Cause

November 22, 2010 (Newport Beach, CA) – Leaders of Environmental Action Films (L.E.A.F.), a project of Inside the Outdoors Foundation, is proud to announce its 2010-2011 “ECOmmercial” Contest. L.E.A.F. has teamed up with Volcom, etnies and Planet Connect to present their second annual Public Service Announcement competition, giving youth a voice on environmental issues. This year’s contest extends its invitation to all California registered high school students where the challenge is for participants to produce a 30 or 60 second PSA on any environmental issue that moves him or her.

L.E.A.F. challenges high school students to use film and social media as a way to inspire environmental consciousness for the purpose of influencing their communities, families and peers on environmental concerns they feel passionate about. The projects will be submitted online, and submissions will be accepted from December 15, 2010 through February 23, 2011. Details on where and how to enter will soon be available at www.leaf-rocks.com

This year’s winners will be invited to screen their film during the 2011 Newport Beach Film Festival
L..E.A.F. Contest Flyer (need current version)

and join a celebration in attendance with Hollywood celebrities, environmentalists, media and more. Action sports leaders are sponsoring the contest, so winners can expect a mixture of cash and prizes for their efforts, including cool gear from Volcom, etnies, Firewire and other partners. This is in addition to the extended exposure winners receive for their creative works. Some of last year’s PSAs were adopted by environmental groups to promote their organizations’ message, including the Anti-Tobacco Coalition and the Water Quality Committee.

For students who would like to also participate on a national level, L.E.A.F. is partnering with Planet Connect for their 2011 Get Green “oceans” themed video contest open to all registered high school students nationwide. Planet Connect wants to learn about your connection to the ocean and how you make sure you help keep the oceans healthy. Prizes for Planet Connect’s contest include cash, a Samsung Galaxy Tablet, a Samsung HD Camcorder and more! All L.E.A.F. entrants are eligible for the Planet Connect video contest. More information is available here: PlanetConnect.org/2011GetGreen.

“Film is the most powerful medium in the world to effect positive environmental change. We need legions of young filmmakers out there learning the craft and understanding that through their creativity they can indeed change the world.” – Louie Psihoyos, director of Oscar Winner for Best Documentary “The Cove”

“I’m so proud to be a part of LEAF in their efforts to inspire and engage young people to try to make a difference. By involving them in LEAF’s ECOmmercial contest we can not only foster creativity in our youth, but also give them the tools to help tackle some of our larger environmental problems.” – Ed Begley, Jr., Founding Celebrity LEAF Partner

“Today’s youth have the power to change our world! High school students can influence their parents, their community and local governments to take action. L.E.A.F. provides the tools to fuel change for a spectacular future. Let’s all lighten our footprint together. Yes, we can do this!” – Pierre-Andre Senizergues, Former world champion skateboarder and CEO/owner of etnies

“Last year, LEAF rocked! The entries were amazing and the energy that was created by all the creativity and messaging was awesome. We’re looking forward to this year being just as good, if not better. If you’re a High School student in California – get on it, join LEAF!” – Derek Sabori, Director of Sustainability & Corporate Social Responsibility, Volcom

Past video topics include recycling, plastic pollution, saving whales, organic farming, and water conservation, but ideas are limited only by care for an environmental cause and imagination. Interested parties can find more ideas for environmental topics at planetconnect.org.

To view examples of past and winning L.E.A.F. submissions and for contest details visit leaf-rocks.com.

About L.E.A.F.:
L.E.A.F., Leaders of Environmental Action Films, an Inside the Outdoors Foundation project, is a group of individuals, organizations and companies that have come together to empower youth to become leaders in the environment, through the powerful art of film and technology. This created a library of creative and effective student public service announcements that can be utilized by non-profit environmental agencies for their local to global outreach campaigns. L.E.A.F. celebrity partners include Ed Begley Jr., Charles Hambleton and actress Tanna Fredrick. Volcom and etnies with Planet Connect are presenting partners with support from the City of Newport Beach, Newport Beach Film Festival, Inside the Outdoors Foundation, OC Parks, ESPN X Games, Alliance for Climate Education (ACE), American Renewable Energy Day (AREDAY), Participant Media’s Take Part, Firewire Surfboards, Wahoo’s Fish Taco, Festival of Children Foundation, Plastic Pollution Coalition, Environmental Media Associates (EMA), The Active Empire (Ate), Project Save Our Surf (PSOS), Kids vs. Global Warming, Imatter, UC Irvine Center for Educational Partnerships, Municipal Water District of Orange County, and others. For more information visit http://www.leaf-rocks.com.

About NEEF:
The National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF) provides knowledge to trusted professionals who, with their credibility, amplify messages to national audiences to solve everyday environmental problems. Together, we generate lasting positive change. NEEF works with professionals in health, education, public lands and the media to connect the environment to everyday choices and actions so the public can live well while protecting and enjoying the environment. Through our programs, such as Planet Connect, Classroom Earth, National Public Lands Day, National Environmental Education Week, Business and Environment, Earth Gauge® and our Pediatric Environmental History Initiative, we offer Americans knowledge to live by. To learn more, visit www.neefusa.org. Planet Connect, a component of NEEF, is an online social network where high school students can learn about current environmental issues, funding opportunities, green colleges and environmental careers.

About etnies:
Established in 1986, etnies is the first skateboarder-owned and operated global action sports footwear and apparel company. etnies not only pushed the envelope by creating the first pro model skate shoe, but it pioneered technological advances and changed the face of skateboard footwear forever. Today, etnies’ vision, led by owner and skateboarder Pierre-André Senizergues, is to remain the leading action sports company committed to creating innovative products that provide the most style, comfort and protection possible. etnies stays true to its roots by sponsoring world class skateboarding, surfing, snowboarding, moto x, BMX and auto teams and continues its dedication by giving back to each of these communities. For additional information, visit etnies.com.

About Volcom:
Volcom is an innovative designer, marketer and distributor of premium quality young men’s and women’s clothing, accessories and related products. The Volcom brand, symbolized by The Stone, is athlete-driven, creative and forward thinking. Volcom has consistently followed its motto of “youth against establishment,” and the brand is inspired by the energy of youth culture. Volcom branded products are sold throughout the United States and internationally. Volcom’s news announcements and SEC filings are available through the company’s website at www.volcom.com.