US Pageantry
Welcome to US Pageantry
US Pageantry is dedicated to helping people interested in finding pageants that focus on giving service or being recognized for volunteer work. There are many types of pageants, from scholarship based that tend to be more natural, to glitz and glamour styles that focus on beauty, to those in-between that offer a bit of "glimmer" combining elements from either end. This website is designed to help people interested in finding pageants on the more natural end of the spectrum that either support a non-profit as a primary element of competition or that have special programs to recognize contestants for community service. We have broken down pageants on our website into three catagories:
Certified Pageants are the most inclusive allowing anyone to compete and supporting a non-profit is the theme and focus of the competition.
Recognized Pageants are those with a non-profit focus that have specific eligibility requirements.
Noteworthy Pageants are pageants that offer volunteer recognition and community service awards as a part of their program, but not as the primary focus.
Note: There are only a few pageants listed currently, but our hope is that this website will eventually be a national resource for anyone interested in Benefit Pageantry.
What is a Benefit Pageant?
Benefit pageants are systems where their primary objectives are to raise money or collect donations for a non-profit organization while encouraging contestants to learn the value of helping others and to develop poise and presentation skills, public speaking, and self-confidence.
Benefit Pageants are almost always "Natural" pageants which typically means that younger competitors are not allowed to wear makeup and older competitors are only allowed what would be typically worn at a job interview. Competition format traditionally includes a "Formal Wear" portion in prom dresses and suits, an "Interview" or "On-Stage Question" portion in business style attire, and a "Donation Collection" competition.
There might also be a costume portion to the competition, but it would most likely be theme related and props are usually kept to a minimum. Optional competitions that are sometimes offered might be Most Photogenic, Casual Wear Modeling, Spokesmodel, Talent, or other opportunities to further gain on-stage experience.
Why Choose Pageantry?
First, we encourage anyone interested in helping a non-profit to do so in any way that they choose. Pageantry is not for everyone, but it can be a really fun way to be recognized for your efforts and even get more attention for a cause. If you are here visiting this website, you are probably interested in learning more about what you can gain from competing in a Benefit Pageant.
• Confidence
Surveys commonly show fear of public speaking is at the top of the list for most people. The ability to face our fears and take action develops confidence and that includes public speaking. In pageantry, competition requires contestants to get in front of large groups of people and develop a comfort level with being on stage. Through introducing yourself, answering questions, or making a presentation about a topic important to you, your public speaking skills will blossom, and you will gain confidence.
Many pageant contestants even find that over time, their own confidence grows to the point that they are able to become role models and help others.
• Friendship
One of the best parts of participating in a pageant is the exciting opportunity to meet people you might never have otherwise and make new friends. Because you are participating in competitions together and facing the same challenges and working towards the same goals, you will find the bonds you create with these new friends to be very special and long-lasting.
• Awareness for a Cause
Oftentimes, especially in Benefit Pageantry, the focus of the pageant is to promote awareness of a cause. When contestants or royalty of a pageant go out into the community to get support for their issue, the public often becomes aware of an issue or solution to a problem that they might not have otherwise. Pageant royalty, especially, will notice that when they wear their crowns, two things happen: 1. People are curious to find out what the crown is for and are more likely to speak to you about your platform and 2. They assume that because you are royalty, you have been chosen for your ability to be a good spokesperson so they are more likely to listen and become involved as well.
• Recognition
Pageants go out of their way to recognize when contestants and royalty are especially successful at a task. Whether it's with a crown, sash, trophy, plaque, certificate, unique pin, or other special gift, or recognition in the newspaper or a program book, or even sometimes with a cash award, people feel valued and appreciated when they receive recognition for their hard work. And being recognized builds confidence and inspires others to want to do the same.
• Life Skills
Interviewing, speaking skills, practicing for competitions, self-reflection, and even filling out applications during the pageant process help in all walks of life. When applying for a job or college, when trying to make new friends, when speaking up for a cause you believe in... all of the above acquired abilities will be very useful.
• Handling Stress, Pressure and Disappointment
Last, but not least, competing in pageants helps develop the ability to handle pressure and learn that disappointment is just a part of life that doesn't need to hold you back. Not everyone will win every event, especially their first time competing. But, you learn what it is that you can do to improve your performance the next time and use those experiences to your full advantage to help take you to the next level.
And if you enjoyed it, you will have even more fun the next time.