Challenge
August 2008
Dear Educator,
We are writing to request your participation in the annual “Do the Write Thing - Texas Challenge”. In 1996, the National Campaign to Stop Violence initiated the “Do the Write Thing Challenge”. The Challenge is an essay-writing competition which provides 7th and 8th grade students, who are at a critical juncture in their lives, an opportunity to examine the impact of violence on their lives. This initiative encourages them, through classroom discussions and writings, to examine how violence has affected their lives, the causes of violence and what they can do to solve the problem of violence. When students accept the Challenge, they are empowered to become messengers for their own thoughts and ideas which are ultimately more powerful than violence.
The Dallas County Juvenile Department is proud to be part of the “Do the Write Thing Challenge” again this year. Over 1,200 local students from the Dallas and Garland Independent School Districts participated in the competition last year. The positive impact of the Challenge was obvious at our 2007-2008 recognition luncheon held on April 26th, 2008. The two Finalists from each participating school, their parents/guardians, and teachers were honored; receiving prizes and awards. The two National Finalists for all of Dallas County were announced at the event. During the summer, the two National Finalists, their parents/guardians and teacher were invited to participate in the state and national events. The trips were complimentary. The statewide event was held in Austin, TX on June 23rd through June 23th. The national event was held in Washington DC from July 14th through July 19th.
Our goal for the 2008-2009 Challenge is to double the number of essays, poems and artwork received. We need your help in reaching more students with this outstanding opportunity.
What we learn from the students’ writings is profound. Their words illustrate wisdom beyond their young years and help us understand the pressures and stresses they face every day. While alarming at times, their words also carry hope and belief that they are able to make a difference in the world around them. The following excerpts from student entries in the 2007-2008 Challenge, share a common theme:
“We should stand together and try to stop violence because we cannot do it alone.”
“We must all unite and let our voices be heard against violence.”
“If we all stand together, no one will get left behind, and no one will be a victim anymore.”
“If we all put our brains and hearts together we can come up with a cure.”
“We must work together to make a change!!! So please won’t you join me on my mission to lessen violence and crime?”
“If we all work together, we can bring the amount of violence in the world to its knees.”
Please join us in supporting our youth and the “Do the Write Thing Challenge” in Dallas County. Together we CAN make a difference!
The enclosed materials provide the specifics of the program. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact Isabel Martinez by phone at (214) 698-2229 or by e-mail at IMartinez@dallascounty.org and/or Aubrey C. Hooper by phone at (214) 698-2220 or by e-mail at AHooper@dallascounty.org.
We hope you will join this worthy cause by providing your 7th and 8th grade students with an opportunity to participate. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Enclosures
