Overview
Sponsored by the Utah State Board of Education Prevention and the National Campaign to Stop Violence, the Do the Write Thing Challenge offers seventh and eighth grade students an opportunity to examine the impact of youth violence on their lives and to communicate in writing what they think should be done to prevent this type of violence. The Challenge emphasizes personal responsibility by encouraging students to make a commitment to take positive steps to change the problem. Ultimately, the program strives to help students break the cycle of violence in their homes, schools and neighborhoods.
Webinar: Teacher support and resources (The recorded webinar will be made available on this
page following the conclusion of the live event)
September 23, 2025: Webinar Live Link (ZOOM)
Instructions on how to join the live webinar
Contact Us
How the Challenge Works
The Challenge kicks off in September each year. All seventh and eighth grade students in Utah are invited to participate.
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Classroom Discussion
- Begin in September.
- Teachers are encouraged to make the Challenge a part of regular classroom instruction.
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Writing Assignment and Entry Submission
- 2026 Entry Deadline January 9, 2026
- Students complete an essay or poem and teachers submit all writings from each class period for the Challenge.
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Judging and Selection of Winners
- College students from throughout Utah will conduct initial reviews and select State Finalists.
- Two writings per participating school will be selected as State finalists.
- A panel of VIP judges will evaluate the top 24 entries, 12 boys and 12 girls from across the State, to select two runners-up and one “National Finalist” or “Ambassador.”
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State Awards Luncheon
- May 1, 2026, located at the University of Utah Alumni House.
- Challenge finalists, their teachers, and parents will be invited to attend an awards luncheon where national finalists will be announced.
- The National finalist, along with their family members, will be invited to attend and stay overnight at the 2026 Promising Youth Conference.
- The National finalist and the two runners up will be recognized at the May or June Utah State Board of Education Board meeting.
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National Recognition Summit
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July 2026 in Washington D.C. (specific dates TBD).
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The national finalist, their teacher, and parent will participate with winners from across the country at the National Recognition Summit.
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Instructions and Lesson Plans
The Office of the Governor and the Utah State Board of Education Invites You and Your
Students to Participate in Utah’s 26th Annual Do the Write Thing Challenge
Governor Spencer J. Cox, State of Utah
Instructions
2025-2026 Utah’s “Do the Write Thing” Challenge Instructions for Classroom Teachers
2025-2026 Do the Write Thing Challenge Teacher Registration Qualtrics Doc
Sample Curriculum for Teachers
Teachers are encouraged to incorporate the Challenge into their regular classroom curriculum. Ideas for the classroom could include:
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English: Use as an essay or poetry-writing assignment
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Health: Discuss personal safety and well-being of others;
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Civics: Conduct an exercise on personal and civic responsibility;
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History: Use a historical perspective to examine youth violence.
Lesson Plans
Coming Soon
Google Doc, Weber School District
Resources
Do the Write Thing Program
National Campaign to Stop Violence
DHHS Violence and Injury Prevention Program
Utah’s Students Who Accepted the Challenge
Do the Write Thing is not about winning a prize. It is an essential part of a long-term strategy to help students and adults better understand each other and work together to prevent youth violence.