Do the Write Thing Challenge 2023

“Kids see so much in our community that we don't see as adults. Things slide by us because, as an adult, you see it so much, but for children, it’s a big thing in their lives. It’s so important to have a pulse on your community to better understand the problem instead of guessing as adults what we think the problem is.”

- Audrey Blackburn, Do the Write Thing, Volunteer, UWABC Volunteer Engagement Manager

Dozens of city empolyees volunteer for the 2023 DTWT.

Each year, all across America, students are rising to the challenge of doing something to end youth violence. The Do the Write Thing Challenge allows middle school students to examine the impact of youth violence on their lives. The Challenge allows middle school students to share their thoughts about youth violence through the power of writing. Students from across Buncombe County could participate in The Do the Write Thing Challenge(DTWT) from their classrooms, from poems to personal essays and creative short stories.

The students offer advice to quell youth violence or share personal narratives. After several rounds of read-throughs - all done by local volunteers - the middle school authors of the top essays from across the nation win an all-expenses trip to Washington D.C. The winner’s writing will be added to the Library of Congress. However, to get to decide a winner, thousands of essays need to be read. In our partnership with Asheville City Schools and Buncombe County Schools, United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County was able to support The Do the Write Thing Challenge. UWABC was integral in making calls for volunteers, and many staff members signed up for several volunteer shifts!

By emphasizing personal responsibility, the DTWT program also educates all involved about the causes of youth violence. Local community groups promote the program at the grassroots level so that teachers, school administrators, parents, coaches, and young people can bring youth violence into the open, where it can be examined, talked about, and dealt with in a constructive way.

Two community memebrs voulnteer at the 2023 DTWT reading of submissions.

“I think it eye-opening to see different types of concerns.”

- Audrey Blackburn, Do the Write Thing Volunteer, UWABC Volunteer Engagement Manager

Through this national initiative, UWABC was able to work with many of our community partners on a topic that is deeply intertwined with our work. The value of centering the voices of the youth is at the heart of the United for Youth network group.

United Way of Asheville and Buncombe is a proud partner of Asheville City Schools and Buncombe County School, who we worked closely with to bring multiple partners and volunteers to this service event.

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