 |
|---|
|
|---|
| In 2001, the Utah Board of Juvenile Justice (UBJJ) sponsored Utah’s first ever Do the Write Thing Challenge. The event targeted Utah’s seventh and eight grade students in alternative middle schools across the state, inviting them to write about the effects of youth violence in their lives and create solutions to those problems. The success of the program convinced UBJJ that all seventh and eighth grade students should have the opportunity to participate in this national event to discuss youth violence in our communities. As a school administrator, teacher or sponsor, you can join hundreds of communities across the country by supporting the implementation of Utah’s Challenge to Do the Write Thing in your community. |
 |
|---|
| The Challenge gives students an opportunity to examine their lives through classroom discussion and in written form to communicate what they can do to change the culture of violence. Through the Challenge, students write about the causes of youth violence and its devastating impact on their lives. The program ultimately seeks to give students the opportunity to break the cycle of violence and be a catalyst for change in their communities. |
 |
|---|
| Teachers are encouraged to incorporate the Challenge into their regular classroom curriculum. Some ideas for classroom activities include: |
 |
|---|
| The Challenge kicks off in October, National Crime Prevention Month. All seventh and eighth grade students are invited to participate. Classroom Discussion: October through January . Teachers are encouraged to make the Challenge a part of regular classroom instruction. Writing Assignment And Entry Submission: Entry deadline is January 22. Students complete an essay or poem and schools select the top writings for the competition. Judging And Selection Of Winners: Members of UBJJ and college students from throughout Utah will conduct initial reviews. A panel of VIP judges will select National and State Finalists. State Awards Luncheon: April. Contest finalists, their teachers and a parent will be invited to attend an awards luncheon where state winners will be announced. National Recognition Week: July, in Washington D.C. The winning students, their teacher and parent will be sent to participate with winners from across the country in the National Recognition Week. |
| English: | May be part of an essay or poetry writing assignment. |
| Health: | Focus on youth violence as part of a discussion about personal safety. |
| Civics: | Conduct an exercise on personal and civic responsibility. |
| History: | Examine youth violence from an historical perspective. |
| h | Do the Write Thing Information: |
|---|---|
| For additional information please contact:
Reg Garff |
Governor's Invitation [Acrobat] Lesson Plan Sample 1 [Acrobat] |
 |
 |
|---|
        |