Assignment Desk

Blue jeans through the years

dsashin — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 14:43:25 GMT

This year marks 140 years since blue jeans were invented. On May 20, 1873, to be exact, Levi Strauss and tailor Jacob Davis got a patent to create work pants reinforced with copper rivets, giving birth to blue jeans as we know them.

Though jeans are now worn throughout the world, they remain an enduring American fashion staple. There's a style to fit every mood and need, and — from '70s bell bottoms to '80s acid wash and '90s overalls — every era.

We want to see the best and worst ways you've worn denim through the years. Go back to your photo albums and share your favorite denim looks and the ones that make you truly embarrassed. We’ll use the best on CNN.com.

Severe weather

lila — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 02:35:31 GMT

Is severe weather happening where you are? CNN and iReport want to hear your story. Share your stories, photos and video.

The weather is often unpredictable and sometimes dangerous. Please do not expose yourself to a risky or potentially dangerous situation.

Can you bend it like Beckham?

rachel8 — Thu, 16 May 2013 15:13:34 GMT

David Beckham, one of the world’s most famous footballers, has announced he is retiring from professional soccer at the end of this season.

The English star is credited by many for helping to bring soccer to a global audience. He was an iconic member of the English national football team, serving as captain for six years. Beckham is known for his ability to "bend" his kicks, curving the ball around defenders to score. The move inspired the 2003 film "Bend It Like Beckham."

In honor of Beckham's iconic trick, we want to see your bending skills. Get a friend to shoot a video of you bending the ball into a goal, and tell us in the text of your iReport what Beckham means to you and the sport. We'll share the best bending videos on CNN.

Biking to work: Sounds from the road

dsashin — Wed, 15 May 2013 19:02:42 GMT

Calling all cyclists! May is National Bike Month and iReport is teaming up with CNN Radio to get your observations from the road.

Whether you've been biking to work for years or are trying it out for the first time, we want to know what you see, hear, taste, smell or feel when biking that you never noticed before.

Here's how to participate:

Step 1. In a video or audio file, tell us your name, the city and state where you live, how long you’ve been biking and complete this sentence, “Since I started biking, I’ve noticed…”

Step 2. Then record 30 seconds or less of your best bike commute sound – maybe the ring of your bike bell, the squeak of your brakes, the birds you hear on a quiet road, the traffic you hear in the city.

NOTE: If you use video, don’t worry about how it looks – we’re interested in the sounds.

Step 3. Lastly, please upload a photo of yourself with your bike.

Your bike sounds, voice and photo could be used in a story on CNN Radio and CNN.com.

Of course, while we love creative images and audio, make sure to stay safe while riding.

Student voices in journalism

dsashin — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 19:48:34 GMT

CNN iReport wants to recognize the important stories being told by students around the globe.

If you’re a student doing amazing work in photography, documentary filmmaking, journalism or commentary, we want to see it — and potentially showcase it on CNN.

Whether you have a slice-of-life story or are going through an experience you want to share, this is your place to show off your best work. What's in it for you? You'll get your work seen by CNN producers (and receive feedback, if you're interested), build your portfolio of clips if your pieces run on CNN, gain a larger audience for your stories and potentially get noticed by the industry.

Show the world your talents, find an audience for your stories and interact with like-minded young voices in journalism. Photos, videos and written submissions are all welcome.

Design of the day

rachel8 — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 21:29:07 GMT

If you have a knack for interior design, this assignment is for you. Have you put effort into making your home — or even just one room — special or unique? We want to see how.

Whether it's through DIY, family treasures, custom elements or one-of-a-kind flea market finds, show us what makes your decor a reflection of your unique personality. Snap a photo of your favorite room or element, share the story behind it and tell us why it's so "you."

We'll share our favorites on CNN Living each day.

Are you affected by Bangladesh protests?

sarahbrowngb — Mon, 06 May 2013 15:37:01 GMT

Several people have died after police and paramilitary forces in Bangladesh battled with hundreds of thousands Islamists who had laid siege to part of the country's capital, Dhaka, local authorities said.

The protesters, members of the country's ultra-conservative Hefazat-e-Islami (Protectors of Islam) party, are calling on the government to enact laws that put to death anyone who blasphemes Islam.

The protests come several months after hundreds of thousands of demonstrators gathered in Dhaka to demand a ban on such fundamentalist parties and the death penalty for those who took part in war crimes during Bangladesh’s bloody independence battle with Pakistan.

Are you Bangladeshi and, if so, what is life like for you there at present? How has your daily life been changed by what is happening?

Upload a picture of yourself and tell us your stories. Your experiences could be used in CNN’s coverage.

Wildfires blazing near you

davidw — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 17:27:34 GMT

Has your area been affected by wildfires? Are wildfires blazing near your home? Send photos, videos and stories of how your community is responding.

Please follow your fire department's guidance, and don't approach the blaze to photograph it.

Tested for the breast cancer gene?

Jamescia — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 17:29:49 GMT

Actress Angelina Jolie has revealed she underwent a preventive double mastectomy after learning she carries a mutation of the BRCA1 gene, which sharply increases her risk of developing breast cancer and ovarian cancer.

During the month of October, we asked iReporters to share stories of how they dealt with finding out they are BRCA gene carriers. Hearing their stories inspired: Tough choices in fight against breast cancer gene.

Because of advances in genetic testing, many women are finding out if they are predisposed to the disease and making life-altering decisions at young ages.

Mutations in the breast and ovarian cancer genes (known as BRCA1 and BRCA2) account for 5 to 10% of all breast cancers and one in seven ovarian cancer cases. While people with the gene mutation may never get cancer, carriers are at significantly higher risk of developing breast, ovarian and other cancers – and passing on the mutation to future generations.

After undergoing genetic testing, some women with family histories of breast cancer are undergoing preventive mastectomies, having their ovaries removed, taking anti-cancer drugs and changing their lifestyles entirely before ever developing the disease. The genetic testing can also have profound ripple effects throughout families.

Have you been tested for the breast cancer gene? If you are a carrier of the breast cancer gene mutation, what steps have you taken since hearing the news? What did you think of Jolie's decision? Send us your thoughts along with an image of yourself and you could be part of CNN's coverage.

Breaking news

lila — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 02:07:24 GMT

Is breaking news happening where you are? Share images and information with CNN. Be sure to include details in your iReport, and include a phone number in your iReport profile so that CNN producers can get in contact with you.

We have created a separate assignment for photos and videos from the Boston Marathon.

Please note: Breaking news situations can be unpredictable and sometimes dangerous. Do not expose yourself to a risky or potentially dangerous situation.

Girls + Education: Your message

dsashin — Fri, 18 Jan 2013 21:07:12 GMT

Millions of girls face obstacles to education that boys do not, but the power of education can change a girl and even the world.

CNN Films' "Girl Rising," airing in June, follows nine remarkable girls in nine countries in their quest for an education. Throughout the year, CNN will highlight their story and the stories of other girls and women across the world making a difference in education.

(#WhereIsGirlRising - See in theaters)

What’s one thing you would like to tell girls around the world about education? Share a video or write them a letter. Please include your personal experience, if it's relevant.

Your message could be featured on CNN.com.

Sound-off

tyson — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 16:52:06 GMT

Got something to say about the news of the day?

Here is your opportunity to take on the issues, and have your voice heard on CNN.

Sound off on camera here about the news that matters to you.

Want to see your comments and opinion on CNN? Keep it clean, and keep it under 60 seconds.

Europe's financial crisis

sarahbrowngb — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 15:07:07 GMT

The financial crisis that has gripped Europe in the past few years continues to roil markets, spark protests and put pressure on political leaders, and there appears to be no end in sight to the turmoil.

Over the past few years, iReporters have helped us cover the story on the ground, giving their thoughts on austerity in Greece, covering demonstrations and sending in images of the impact of the crisis in their homelands.

How has the Eurozone crisis affected you personally? Have you had to seek work, or leave your home country? What do you think of the leaders trying to combat the crisis?

Send us your images and video and you could be part of our coverage.

'I Have a Dream' speech: Your memories

zdan — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 20:04:29 GMT

Martin Luther King Jr.'s famous words, "I have a dream," became the rallying call for an end to racism. While he spoke long ago, on August 28, 1963, his words still ring true for many Americans today.

Were you or someone in your family at King's speech 50 years ago? Do you think the dream has been realized in 2013? We'd like to hear your story.

Upload a photo of yourself at the landmark "I Have a Dream" speech, or a photo of you during the civil rights era, and share your memories of the experience. Your stories could be part of CNN's coverage.

Photo essays: Your stories in pictures

zdan — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 17:58:06 GMT

There are so many stories you can tell with photography. If you see the world through a lens, this is the place for you to get creative.

Here’s the challenge: We are looking for feature photography and powerful photo stories. Whether you want to share photos that chronicle a personal story or capture a compelling slice-of-life scene, we’re interested in your collections on a particular theme. Please upload a series of original photographs that were taken this year and tell us the stories behind the pictures.

Check out these amazing iReport photo essays for inspiration:
South Indian Holi
Surreal dreams recreated By Ronen Goldman
Homeless in America: The unseen community
Election day in Israel

Need some tips? CNN photojournalists share their tricks with you.

Run for Boston 2014

jdsutter — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 20:17:59 GMT

Three people were killed and more than 100 were injured on April 15 when two explosions went off at the finish line of the Boston Marathon. Hours later, runners were tweeting and posting on Instagram that they weren't going to let this tragedy stop them from pursuing their hobby and passion.

They went out to #runforboston.

CNN is asking you to pledge to run or walk a race — whether it's 1 mile or a marathon — by April 2014, the one-year anniversary. The network plans to make a video about our group journey to that finish line. It's a story of endurance and hope in the face of disaster. It's one we'll create together.

How do you join in? Click the “Add your story” button, upload a photo of your running shoes, and tell us why you’re running for Boston.

You can also upload your photo to Instagram or Twitter. Tag it #runforboston and #cnnireport so we know you're in. Then get out there and get moving! We'll post more instructions soon.

You can log your training miles on this Run for Boston site, which was created by iReporter Becca Obergefell, from Columbus, Ohio. She inspired this assignment and suggests you use the Charity Miles app earn money for a charity of you're choice while you train for the big race.

Hello, spring

PM91 — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 15:57:52 GMT

Spring is here, and we want to know what it looks like in your area. Whether it’s flowers blooming, pollen dust clouds or snow still on the ground, show us your best photos from spring 2013.

The written word: Your personal essays

rachel8 — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 21:02:21 GMT

Here at CNN iReport, we tend to focus on photos and videos. But we’ve seen strong, well-written essay submissions that beautifully express personal stories as well. From a mom raising her kids without religion to a man struggling to overcome panic attacks, these iReporters have told their stories and sparked conversation with the written word. Their personal essays impressed us so much that we’d like to encourage more of them on the site.

So, here’s your chance: If you have a personal story that you’d like to share with the world, write up your experience and share it here. Try to keep it to 1,000 words or less, and be sure to submit a photo of yourself – preferably one that’s relevant to the piece – to go along with your essay. The best-written and most compelling submissions could run with your byline on CNN.com.

Please note: This assignment will focus on personal stories and life experiences. If you’d like to discuss the news of the day or share your thoughts on the issues, please visit Sound Off. And if you’d rather tell your story in pictures, check out our photo essays assignment.

Travel photo of the day

marnieh — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 16:03:44 GMT

We all have favorite travel photos. We want to see yours.

Send us photos that capture the essence of the destination and will make other travelers want to go there, too. We'll pick one image each day to post on CNN.com's travel page. Horizontal photos work best. See the photos that have already been showcased here.

Tell us a little bit about your experience there, and share why you chose that particular image. If you have more photos, be sure to check out the latest destination of interest on our Travel Snapshots assignment.

Light Years: Your view of space and stars

lila — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 02:54:31 GMT

If you enjoy counting stars and tracing comet tails, we want to hear from you. All cool space and science stories are welcome here!

Share your photos and video of space and show us rocket launches and celestial happenings near you. What astronomy tips can you share with the community?

Tell us about your passion for space and let the world peek through your telescope. Your images could be used on CNN and Light Years, CNN's space and science blog.

Noticias de última hora

tyson — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 18:46:55 GMT

Comparta con nosotros sus fotos, videos e informes de los sucesos que ocurren donde usted está. Envíelos a ”iReport” y podrían ser difundidos en CNN en Español.

Te invitamos a ser parte de los ojos y oídos de CNN en nuestra cobertura especial sobre la inmigración en Estados Unidos.

Únete a iReport, envía tus videos y fotos, participa en el debate, comparte tus experiencias. Cada día mostraremos en los noticieros de CNN algunas de las contribuciones recibidas.

Weekends in America

Anika3 — Thu, 11 Oct 2012 18:36:00 GMT

HLN wants to see what "Weekends in America" looks like in your hometown!

Share your best photos showing what “weekends” mean to you, from a scenic drive to a street festival to your child’s soccer game.

Please upload large, horizontal versions of your image if possible, and tell us where it came from and the day it was shot. Your photo could be shown on Weekend Express with Natasha Curry, every Saturday and Sunday starting at 7 a.m. ET.

iReport at the movies

nsaidi — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 22:06:50 GMT

Are you a film fanatic?

If you've seen a recent release at the box office, we want to hear from you on video!

What did you think of the movie overall? Share your film review.