Do you think you have what it takes to come up with "the next big thing" in government communications? Well the National Association of Government Communicators (NAGC) 2012 Blue Pencil & Gold Screen Awards Competition may just be for you. The competition, which is currently collecting submissions, "recognizes superior government communication products and those who produce them."

NAGC will be looking for the best and brightest ideas in 41 unique categories, ranging from the most improved government publication to excellence in graphic design, with the top overall submission winning "Best in Show." The Awards will be bestowed next June at the NAGC's conference "Government Communicators: Telling America's Stories" in Arlington, Virginia.

Achievements in social media will be recognized in several different categories. With categories for best YouTube, Facebook, and 140 Characters social media is certainly well represented at this year's awards. That last category is worth mentioning for the fact that in addition to excellence in government Twitter campaigns, SMS and text campaigns are also eligible for submission.

Those looking to submit their projects for "early bird" consideration must do so by Dec. 9, with the final deadline for submissions coming up on Jan. 20, 2012. And if you're looking to get a leg up on the competition, you might want to check out NAGC's "How to Submit a Winning Entry" teleconference taking place on Nov. 3, where past honorees will discuss their experiences and offer advice on how to put that best gov communication foot forward.

More information on the competition, including information on how to apply for being a judge in the competition, can be found here.