[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 140 (Thursday, October 8, 1998)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E1960] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] DO THE WRITE THING CHALLENGE PROGRAM ______ HON. FRANK RIGGS of california in the house of representatives Wednesday, October 7, 1998 Mr. RIGGS. Mr. Speaker, not long ago, I served as host for a reception in the Cannon Caucus Room to honor the finalists in the Do the Write Thing Challenge Program. As Chairman of the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Youth and Families of the House Education and the Workforce Committee, I want to call this initiative to the attention of my colleagues. Do the Write is a project of the National Campaign to Stop Violence. Students in urban middle schools are encouraged to write about problems of violence and drug abuse in their communities. Through these writings, 7th and 8th graders are motivated to make a commitment to stay in school and do something about drug abuse and violence. They also increase adult awareness and involvement in programs to address these problems. At the beginning of each school year, school superintendents in targeted cities notify middle school principals about the Do the Write Thing Challenge Program. Students are then asked to write papers relating to three questions: ``How has youth violence and drug abuse affected my life?'' ``What are the causes of youth violence and drug abuse?'' ``What can I do about the youth violence and drug abuse that I see or experience?'' A panel of volunteers reads student papers. They selected male and female finalists for each school. From among these students, the best entries from each city are named national finalists. There is a local recognition ceremony for the school finalists, and a series of recognition events in Washington, D.C. for the national finalists. Local committees also work with government, businesses, and community leaders to provide opportunities for the student participants such as job training internships, mentoring, and scholarships. These are designed to promote community service and build a new network of positive relationships for those who have accepted the Do the Write Thing challenge. The Do the Write Thing Challenge Program is presently operating in Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, Hartford, Houston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. Nationwide, over 15,000 students have submitted writings as part of the program. Mr. Speaker, those who merit recognition are too numerous to mention, but I want to particularly thank Daniel Q. Callister, the founder and Chair of the National Campaign to Stop Violence for his leadership in the Do the Write Thing Challenge Program . I also thank Marion W. Mattingly who is working tirelessly to expand the Do the Write Thing Challenge Program to additional cities. The Council of Great City Schools, the National Association of Secondary School Principals, the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, the Young Astronauts Counsel, and the Justice Department's Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention are all supporting the program. Finally, special commendation goes to the Kuwait-America Foundation, the primary sponsor of the Do the Write Thing Challenge Program. ____________________