Local groups launch 2024 Asheville-Buncombe Do the Write Thing Challenge

Press release from United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County:

The “Do the Write Thing” Challenge, a national program by the National Campaign to Stop the Violence, gives middle school students an opportunity to examine the impact of youth violence in their lives.  Through classroom discussions and writing, students communicate what they think should be done to reduce youth violence. In addition, they make a personal commitment to actively address violence in their school, home, and community.  By entering the challenge the students will address the following questions through an essay, poem, short story, or song:

• How has violence affected my life?
• What are the causes of youth violence?
• What can I do about youth violence?

The challenge is open through March 8, 2024 and the students will have 6 to 8 weeks to complete their writing. All submissions will be coded with a number, so the student’s identity will not be known to the judge reading and scoring the writing. 

Finalists and their families will have the opportunity to attend a local celebration dinner where two national ambassadors will be named. National ambassadors, their teacher, and a parent/guardian will travel to Washington DC to have their winning entry entered into the Library of Congress. 

This contest is not just about writing; it’s an opportunity for students to voice their ideas, dreams, and concerns about the world they live in. We believe in the power of words and the impact they can have in fostering understanding and change.

A virtual introduction to DtWT will be held on January 24, 2024 at 3:45pm. Please complete this interest form if you plan to attend or would like more information about the Do the Write Thing contest.

Details and more information can be found on the Asheville-Buncombe Do the Write Thing website and in the attached announcement.

Let’s encourage our young writers to express themselves and make their voices heard. We can’t wait to read the inspiring entries from the bright minds of Asheville and Buncombe County’s public, private, home-schooled, and charter middle school students!

Participating groups are: Asheville City Schools, Asheville Housing Authority, Asheville Police and Fire Departments, Buncombe County Sherrif’s Department, OurVoice, SPARC Foundation, United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County, United for Youth