Do The Right Thing

WHAT IS DO THE RIGHT THING?

The idea for the Do The Right Thing Program was born in 1990 during a Miami Police Department awards ceremony when a teenager was recognized by the Chief of Police for turning in a loaded gun found at his school. Community volunteers, who witnessed the impact the positive recognition had on this teenager, decided to join forces with the Miami Police Department and develop an on-going recognition program for students.

Today, Do The Right Thing is a non-profit organization dedicated to recognizing and rewarding school-age youths for positive accomplishments, behavior and good deeds. The program ensures that young people are not only rewarded for “doing the right thing,” but also publicly recognized as role models for their peers. Currently Do The Right Thing has grown to 63 chapters around the United States, one chapter in London, England and three chapters in Germany. The City of Albany Police Department has joined the Do The Right Thing Program and is an official chapter as of April 2020.

PURPOSE AND GOALS

The purpose of Do the Right Thing (DTRT) is to recognize and reward youths for their exemplary behavior, accomplishments, and good deeds through a unique partnership between the City of Albany, the City of Albany Police Department and the City of Albany School District. The DTRT Awards Program distinguishes exceptional school-age children who choose to be drug and crime free, exhibit non-violent behavior, do well in school, make a difference in their communities, and demonstrate turnaround behavior. Each month of the school year, parents, police officers, teachers, and other adults nominate children for “doing the right thing.” A selection committee reviews the nominations and selects finalists for the month who are honored at a ceremony.

GOALS

1. To reinforce socially desirable behavior among young people
2. To demonstrate that “good kids” are newsworthy
3. To foster positive relations between the police department and youths

How it Works:

The Do The Right Thing Program will initially be launched for all City of Albany School District Middle and High Schools:

• Albany High School
• Hackett Middle School
• Stephen & Harriet Myers Middle School
• Edmund J. O’Neal Middle School
• North Albany Middle School

Each month any City of Albany School district middle school or high school student (grade 6-12) can be nominated by school staff, police officers, parents and community members for an award. Every month 10 students per school who were nominated will receive a t-shirt, a small prize (ie: certificate for two free slices of pizza, ice cream cone etc.) and a certificate of acknowledgement. One student from those nominated in each middle school and up to three students from the high school will be selected as a winner and will also receive a tablet.

Special thanks to our generous community partners and donors (listed below) for assisting us in making this program possible!

The following is a list of the types of information the committee is looking for in selecting winners:

• Academic success or improvement in study habits
• Outstanding conduct or behavior
• Community service or helping neighbors
• Organizations the child belongs to and what they do
• Home conduct and help with family life
• Participation in special events/activities
• Do they work? Where and how many hours?
• Personal problems overcome or adjusted to
• Feats of bravery or heroic acts performed
• Sports or hobbies involved in
• Turn around success stories
• Musical or artistic talents
• Physical or mental limitations overcome
• Examples of honesty and good citizenship

NOMINATE A STUDENT

Fast Facts on the DTRT Program

Our Valued Do The Right Thing Community Partners: 

• Spinners Pizza and Subs-22 Picotte Drive Albany, NY 12208 
• Sovrana's Pizza & Deli – 63 N Lake Ave Albany, NY 12206
• Stewart's Shops

Become a Do The Right Thing Partner or Sponsor

We are continually seeking donors and partners for Do The Right Thing. If you would like to donate or contribute and become a partner in recognizing our community's youth for their good deeds and positive behaviors, please contact us.