Great Photo with the Students: Do the Write Thing Texas Challenge with Inspirational Speaker Gary Guller

This is my second time being involved with the Do the Write Thing. Love it - The Do the Write Thing Texas Challenge is an anti-violence and academic program targeted at middle school students. It provides youth the opportunity to think profoundly about the issues surrounding violence and enables them to express themselves through a nationally recognized forum. The program engages students in thoughtful classroom discussions about violence and its impact on their lives; seeks their analyses of the causes and solicits their quest for solutions. The written composition portion cultivates logic, creativity and literacy. The Challenge gives the youngsters a forum in which to have their voices heard and their ideas valued. Reflection upon the causes and effects of violence inculcates personal responsibility.

Teachers are provided a lesson plan for Classroom discussions and the writing assignment. The Lesson Plan meets Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) objectives in the subjects of English/Language Arts, Social Studies and Health/PE. Students formulate their writings around the answers to three questions:
The program engages students in thoughtful classroom discussions about violence and its impact on their lives; seeks their analyses of the causes and solicits their quest for solutions. The written composition portion cultivates logic, creativity and literacy. The Challenge gives the youngsters a forum in which to have their voices heard and their ideas valued. Reflection upon the causes and effects of violence inculcates personal responsibility.


Teachers are provided a lesson plan for Classroom discussions and the writing assignment. The Lesson Plan meets Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) objectives in the subjects of English/Language Arts, Social Studies and Health/PE. Students formulate their writings around the answers to three questions:



The young students are doing their part, now it is up to the adults to enlist. The Challenge should be made available to more students throughout Texas. To accomplish this, we need the involvement of educators, community volunteers and sponsors. Please join me in supporting the Do the Write Thing Texas Challenge and help protect our young people from the pernicious influences in our culture and communities.

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. Additionally, 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.

The young students are doing their part, now it is up to the adults to enlist. The Challenge should be made available to more students throughout Texas. To accomplish this, we need the involvement of educators, community volunteers and sponsors. Please join me in supporting the Do the Write Thing Texas Challenge and help protect our young people from the pernicious influences in our culture and communities.

How has violence affected my life?

What are the causes of violence?

What can I do about violence?

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. Additionally, 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.

Get involved with your kids.