The White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders launched an online video challenge today, asking participants to submit personal stories about people who have had an impact on the people around them. The effort, called “What’s Your Story?” aims to highlight community service by Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders whose dedication to a cause has made a difference in their communities.

Participants are asked to submit a video describing unique experiences that have shaped who they are in less than three minutes.

White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders director Kiran Ahuja said the video challenge is designed to help understand more about important issues facing the community and to highlight their contributions.

“A community’s stories define who they are,” said Ahuja. “This is an opportunity to highlight the work of people making a difference in our communities everyday. Whether you’re a passionate advocate for nail salon health and safety or working tirelessly to make life a little easier for new Americans, this is your chance to let us know how you’re making a difference.”

Entries are accepted in any form, including music video, public service announcement, short film, video blog or in an interview format. Essays will also be accepted in the place of video entries. All entries should showcase someone’s work around a specific issue facing the AAPI community in under three minutes or with fewer than 1,000 words.

Entries should be submitted online athttp://www.whitehouse.gov/WhatsYourStory by Tuesday, November 1, 2011. A video describing the Initiative’s effort is available athttp://youtu.be/UiSgHYNd53Q?hd=1.

A select number of entries will be posted on the White House website and a group of exceptional leaders highlighted will be selected to attend a White House briefing this fall and given the opportunity to share their stories in-person.