How did the DOC 200 Project© Got Started?
So much attention, time, effort, and money are spent on the negative aspects of this world. I wanted to do something that would have a positive and powerful impact on improving the quality of life for us all. Wringing our hands and bemoaning, “This has to stop!” just isn’t getting the job done. We all need to do more.
As a retired teacher and professor, I have always believed that the answer to the questions about serious social issues would be found by my students. And when I was tasked to think up a new service project for my students in the Munster Jr. Historical Society that would honor Indiana’s Bicentennial, it seemed like a natural choice to combine my dream of a more positive world with this timely celebration.
The idea, initially designed for my small group of students here in northwest Indiana, soon inspired and ignited others. The Indiana Bicentennial Commission endorsed the DOC 200 Project as an official Bicentennial Legacy Project, and it became available to every student from kindergarten through college in the entire state. Next, this family-friendly experience was catching on and families in other states wanted to take part. Now, all students can actively work to strengthen their outstanding citizenship skills through their participation in the DOC 200 Project.
What is the DOC 200 Project?
DOC 200 stands for Developing Outstanding Citizenship 200 times. The 200 also ties into our state’s bicentennial celebration taking place in 2016. Students in grades kindergarten through college sign up and then begin work on learning and practicing those life skills linked to outstanding citizenship. Students focus on the four important areas of Integrity, Acceptance of Others, Service, and Patriotism.
Parents serve as good role models of outstanding citizenship while their children are working to earn their DOC 200 status. Members of the community and business serve as Sponsors who help organize DOC 200 teams and provide an Awards Ceremony on or after December 11, 2016, which is the exact date of Indiana’s statehood. Sponsors provide medals and ribbons to students who successfully complete this life-changing experience.
Because long-term and life-long learning comes from repeated spaced practice over time, the DOC 200 Project is structured to take a minimum of 100 days to complete. In this way, students systematically and solidly build the character and sense of responsibility necessary to become outstanding citizens.
Students self-document the 200 actions they perform on record-keeping materials provided in their packet. That action alone builds integrity, perseverance, and accountability. Students set this lofty goal and work hard for a minimum of 100 days to achieve it. As they demonstrate the 200 actions to earn their DOC 200 status, students go through the same stages that an individual would experience in becoming a doctor including undergraduate, medical school, and residency levels. [See Materials] found online at www.DOC200Project.com. There is no cost to participate and all students are eligible (That’s Acceptance of Others). We welcome students of all ages, abilities, gender, or location.
Do All DOC 200 Students Do The Same Thing?
The simple answer is no. Though every student works within the same four areas of Integrity, Acceptance of Others, Service, and Patriotism, how they choose to take action in these areas is entirely up to them. Their choices will be overseen by parents, teachers, community leaders, and their DOC 200 Sponsors who agree to serve as appropriate role models of outstanding citizenship. Therefore, what a young child does in the area of Service might look entirely different from an older student working on this same skill. Modifications have been made for both younger children (K-grade 2) and for those in high school and college, making every experience age appropriate.
How Is This Accomplishment Recognized?
All students can earn the DOC 200 Outstanding Citizenship medal and ribbon from their Sponsor upon completion. Medals are presented at an Awards Ceremony. If a student cannot obtain a Sponsor, it is suggested that they ask parents, family members, and friends to agree to give them a special one-time job around the house, yard, or community, to allow them to work and earn the money they need to buy their medal.
Dreaming Big: We are hoping to place a tiny piece of steel (for strength of character) and a tiny piece of limestone (to honor the earth and its inhabitants) into the medals. Fingers crossed. [See Materials for more information]
Louise Chickie-Wolfe, Ph.D.
DOC 200 Project Director
Munster Junior Historical Society
917 Ridge Road, Unit 3384
Munster, IN 46321