The Do the Write Thing Essay Challenge gives middle school students an opportunity to examine the impact of youth violence on their lives. Through classroom discussions and writings, students communicate what they think should be done to reduce youth violence. In addition, they make personal commitments to do something about this problem. Essays are due February 6, 2012.

CMS middle school students are encouraged to participate through any written form of expression such as essays, poems, plays or songs. Participating principals, teachers and students will be invited to attend an annual reception to congratulate the winners and their families. The local reception is scheduled for April 2012. One male and one female student winner will be eligible to travel for a week as Charlotte’s Ambassador to the National Do The Write Thing Essay Challenge in Washington, D.C., later this year.

The local effort is spearheaded by Mecklenburg County Community Support Services Project Safe Neighborhoods. PSN is a federally funded program working to keep our communities safe by eliminating gun violence. Administered by the U.S. Attorney's Office, Project Safe Neighborhoods’ Task Force is comprised of members from state and local law enforcement, community groups, educational institutions and Mecklenburg County.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department School Resource Officers have assisted in the distribution of participation forms to the schools and they will assist in the grading of the submitted essays once again this year. To volunteer in the reading of the essays please send your Name & Phone Number to Ronnie Devine.

For more information on the Do The Write Thing Essay Challenge visit http://www.charmeck.org/DTWT
or call Ronnie Devine at 704-336-8630.

For more information on the effects of gun violence in our community, call Community Support Services at (704) 432-SAFE (7233) or CSS Project Safe Neighborhoods at (704) 336-8630.