Frequently

The Voices of Impact Awards™ is open to English-speaking individuals over the age of 18, who are citizens or lawful residents of the United States. See our Official Contest Rules and Regulations page for more details.

Yes. The Voices of Impact Awards™ is open to English-speaking individuals over the age of 18, who are citizens or lawful residents of the United States. Students must be currently enrolled in an accredited U.S. College or University. A student email (.edu) address will be required, and we may also ask for a valid transcript or other proof of enrollment.  See our Official Contest Rules and Regulations page for more details.

At the present, the Voices of Impact Awards™ are held annually.

To be eligible to apply for the Voices of Impact Awards™ :

• You must be a person who is at least 18 years of age. However, if you live in a jurisdiction that does not allow persons under the age of 21 to participate in these Awards, then you may not enter until you are 21.
• You may only enter under your own legal name.
• You must be a citizen or legal resident of the United States. If you are not a citizen, you must possess a valid employment authorization card (EAD card). Upon request by the Organizer, you must show proof of your United States employment authorization before receiving any award. Void in U.S. Territories and where prohibited by law.
• You must be able to speak audibly. Persons using assistive technology to communicate, or a sign language interpreter may participate in these Awards.
• You must speak, write, read, and comprehend (or be able to communicate) the English language as it is generally used in the United States.
• If chosen as a Finalist or Alternate, you must be able to travel, as necessary, to the location of the Awards Gala, or forfeit your selection as a Finalist or Alternate.
• You must have a story with a viable message, idea, or solution to share or commit to creating one before the appropriate deadlines. You must be willing to share your story in writing, on video, and in a live presentation (if selected as a Finalist). This is a skills-based Awards program and winners will be chosen based on the criteria set forth in the Official Awards Guide.
• If you are selected as a Finalist, or as an Alternate, you may be asked to provide proof of adequate travel documentation if you are located more than 3 hours from the event venue. If you are unable to meet the travel requirements, we reserve the right to select another Finalist or Alternate.

The following are NOT eligible to apply for the Voices of Impact Awards™ :

• Any person who does not meet the eligibility criteria.
• Any person who declines to accept the Awards Terms and Conditions.
• Any person who declines to accept the Awards Rules and Procedures.
• Any person who is a previous grand prize winner of the Impact Speakers Awards™.
• Any person who works for, or who is an immediate family member of someone that works for the organizer, a company involved in the organization, management, promotion, production, or administration of the Impact Speakers Awards™ or their agents, or subsidiaries.
• Any person who works for, or who is an immediate family member of someone that works for, a company that is an official sponsor of the Impact Speakers Awards™.
• Any person who is underage, or who lives in any state or jurisdiction where these Awards may be prohibited.
• Any person who has been convicted of any violent crime, sex crime, crimes against children, or who is a registered sex offender.

The Voices of Impact Awards™ is open to individuals with a story and message which can transform and positively impact the lives of others. You can be an author, business owner, coach, college student, educator, entrepreneur, executive, influencer, service professional, and you can even be retired or not employed. No prior public speaking experience is required. We are looking for individuals that can speak from the heart, with passion, and joy, and who desire to be recognized among other innovators, trailblazers, and thought leaders.

No. While experience in public speaking is a plus, it is not required. Your application fee entitles you to access complimentary training from subject-matter experts that will teach you how to develop your story, how to speak in public, and much mor even beyond this Awards program.

The general theme for these Awards is “inspiration and transformation.” Each applicant may choose their own topic. Ask yourself these questions as a starting point:

• What problem are people facing and how can I help to solve the problem? 
• What struggles did I overcome, and how can my experience be of value to others facing similar struggles?
• What change would I like to see in the world and how can I help to bring it about?
• What do I know, or have I learned that can inspire others to improve their lives?

A list of the prohibited topics is contained in the Rules and Procedures.  In general, we prohibit sensitive topics, topics that can divide the audience or topics that ask the audience to “choose a side.”  These include but are not limited to politics and religion, topics designed to insult, attack, shame, vilify, embarrass, make fun of, discriminate, or challenge any person or group of persons because of their race, ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or gender.

• A non-refundable Application Fee is required with your Official Application
• Adult Regular Price – $197.00 USD.
• Student Regular Price – $47.00 USD.
• NOTE: Voices of Impact Awards™ reserves the right to change the Application Fee at any time during the duration of the Awards program.

Sadly No. The Application Fee is non-refundable, and there are no exceptions. The Application Fee is necessary to assist us with the administrative and operating costs, and it also serves to attract only those persons who are genuine and truly serious about sharing their stories and developing their communication skills whether for this Awards program or outside of the Awards program. Note: Make sure to read the Awards Rules and Regulations before deciding to enter these Awards.  

The prizes for the Voices of Impact Awards™ include:

• One prize of $20,000 (twenty-thousand dollars) and the “Blue Diamond Impact Award™” trophy will be awarded to the person selected by the judging panel as the grand prize winner.
• One prize of a book publishing contract offered by Morgan James Publishing.
• One prize of $1,500 (one-thousand-five-hundred dollars) will be awarded to the person selected by the judges as the 1^st runner-up.
• One prize of $1,500 (one-thousand-five-hundred dollars) will be awarded to the person selected by the judges as the 2^nd runner-up.
• One prize of $500 (five hundred dollars) will be awarded to each Finalist who does not receive a grand prize, 1^st, or 2nd runner-up award.
• One “Lifetime Impact Award™” will be issued to the participant chosen by our in-house team and/or judges to receive that award.
• One “People’s Choice Impact Award™” will be issued to the person selected by the public to receive that award.
• One “Rising Impact Award™” will be issued to the participant chosen by our in-house team and/or judges to receive that award.
• One “Heidi Service Impact Award™” will be issued to the participant chosen by our in-house team and/or judges to receive the award.
• One “Student Impact Award™” will be issued to the participant chosen by our in-house team and/or judges to receive that award.

The chances of being awarded a prize depend on the number of eligible applicants who participate in each of the 3 Stages, the nature, and quality of your chosen story and message, your ability to deliver an engaging and impactful story, and the subjective decision of the judges.

All participants will receive:  

• Training – You will receive thousands of dollars’ worth of complimentary training from industry experts (Resource Partners), as part of your participation in the Awards program. These may include books, guides, and digital programs on topics such as: speaking, marketing, branding, business, entrepreneurship, communications, personal development, relationships, and much more.
• Speaking Opportunities – You may be selected to speak on one of our virtual stages leading up to the Awards Gala. These may include interviews, hosting a workshop, co-hosting, podcast, and many more. We may, in our discretion refer you to speaking opportunities that we may from time to time become aware of.
• Instant Impact™ Showcase – If your story and message hit the mark, you may be asked to record your full presentation for broadcast to our online audience, even if you are not chosen for the finals.
• Awards Recognition – You may be chosen to receive one of a variety of awards and cash or other prizes in recognition for your skills, commitment to excellence, the nature and quality of your story, and your ability to relate your story to make a positive difference in the world.
• Professional Media – If selected as an award recipient and attend the Awards Gala in Denver, CO in September of 2023, you will receive a professional headshot session, photos, and video of your stage presentation, or of you receiving an award if you are not a selected as a Finalist.

No. Only one application is allowed per person per year.

The judges for the Voices of Impact Awards™ will be persons selected by the Organizer who are seasoned and experienced speakers, whether they are best-selling authors, community leaders, business executives, entrepreneurs, educators, or meeting and event planners.

The format of the Voices of Impact Awards™ requires all Finalists to attend in-person to present their talk live on-stage. Any Finalist who cannot or does not wish to travel for the Awards Gala must forfeit their status together with any prizes, and an Alternate Finalist will be selected. 

Yay! We love our Resource Partners as they provide valuable training and education to the participants, while at the same time gaining valuable visibility, credibility, and new clients. They are also on the front line of the Awards program by actively and frequently promoting the Awards to their audiences. If you have a product or service that you believe will help our participants become even better speakers, business owners, employees, entrepreneurs, and better overall humans, contact us and let’s have a discussion. Our Resource Partners are established coaches, consultants, trainers, educators, or subject matter experts of high integrity.  

Yes. Participating and advancing through this Awards program is an honor and privilege. It is a testimony that you are a person of courage, who is willing to confront and overcome your fear of sharing your story to help and guide others. If you have a desire to develop a career in speaking or to advance your present career as a speaker, or if you have a desire to elevate your job or career earnings, branding yourself as a participant in these Awards tells the world that you are a leader, and ready for greater responsibility.

After you apply for the awards you will receive a digital badge indicating that you are a participant in the Awards. We encourage you to share this on your social media and your website, blog, or another platform you use to brand and market yourself.