Beaumont-DTWT

The Texas Do the Write Thing Challenge is a youth anti-violence program. There are nine Challenge programs in Texas, all administered by civic-minded volunteers.

To those of us who grew up in a time and place without gangs or drive-by shootings in our neighborhoods, without metal detectors and search dogs in our school corridors, it is inconceivable that our children worry about their safety and dignity; yet far too many do. Many are fearful in school or other public places that an accidental bump in the hallway will lead to violence, or that being different than others will lead to shunning and taunts.

Violence and the fear of violence are major educational, social and health problems affecting our young people in Texas and the United States. According to the Center for Disease Control Study, this situation is worsening.

The DtWT Challenge is a writing competition for 7th and 8th grade students designed to prevent violence and to promote safety in schools and the community. Research shows this age group to be the most vulnerable to anti-social influences.

The Challenge is presented to these students through the public and private school systems. The lesson plan engages the youngsters in thoughtful discussion of how they have been affected by violence, what in their analyses are the causes and they are asked to propose solutions. The students then write on these issues. It is heartening that, almost unanimously, they reach the conclusion that personal responsibility and positive conduct are keys to a healthy civil society.

The program teaches children how to deal with anger, slights, bullying and other conflicts in a constructive way, without resorting to violence. Also addressed are the subjects of resisting peer pressure, avoiding illicit drug usage and seeking help for family abuse.

This year more than 26,000 students accepted the Challenge and wrote candidly about their lives. Many expressed their fears anxieties, loneliness and yearnings for nurturing. They indicted the various entertainment media and the Internet for glamorizing sociopathic behavior and debasing standards of decency.

The Challenge gives the children a forum and an audience–what we learn from the student writings is profound and provides a foundation for the development of sound public policy.

Recognition and acknowledgement of all participants is an integral feature of this project. Each student who writes and each participating teacher receives a certificate of appreciation. All papers are read by community volunteers who select a boy and girl, from each participating school, as school finalists.

The school finalists, their parents and educators are invited to a local recognition ceremony, where they are honored.

Local community leaders select a boy and girl to be national finalists. In jurisdictions that encompass more than one county, there are regional finalists.The National Finalists convene, in Austin for the Do the Write Thing Youth Summit to consider and recommend significant measures to reduce violence; after their deliberations, they produce a Student Platform of the Texas Do the Write Thing Challenge (the 2007 version is posted on this website). This year, the National Recognition Ceremony was conducted in the Texas House Chambers where Texas Supreme Court Justice Wallace Jefferson addressed the students, their parents, teachers and guests. Governor Rick Perry honored the students with awards and declared June 25, 2007 as Do the Write Thing Day in Texas.

The two national finalists and a parent and teacher for each child, from every Texas program, are invited to Washington, D.C., to be honored in recognition ceremonies.

The Texas Do the Write Thing Challenge began in Houston, Harris County and there are now nine sites in Texas; they are Austin, Beaumont, Brownsville, Corpus Christi, Dallas, El Paso, Houston/Harris County, Odessa and San Antonio. (See links on right) We plan to add an additional site next year.

The 2006-2007 Texas Challenge has been a resounding success. 26,052 middle school students accepted the Challenge, deliberated on the problems of violence, prepared and submitted their compositions. Teachers have advised that at least double this number participated in classroom discussions. The Challenge lesson plan meets Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) objectives in several subjects and fits seamlessly in school curricula.

The young are doing their part, now it is up to the adults to enlist. The Challenge should be made available to more students throughout Texas. We need the involvement of educators, community volunteers and sponsors. Please contact us, should you wish to become involved in solving the problems of youth violence.

Robert Eckels, Chair
Texas Do The Write Thing Challenge