The Virtues Project™

The Virtues Project™ is a global grassroots initiative that began in 1991 to inspire the practice of virtues in everyday life. The Virtues Project™ is the catalyst for the renewal of kindness, justice and integrity in more than 95 countries and was honored by the United Nations during the International Year of the Family as a "model global program for all cultures."

Founders, Linda Kavelin Popov, a psychotherapist, Dr. Dan Popov, a clinical pediatric psychologist, and John Kavelin, Disney designer, realized that virtues are the common thread that connects all of humanity. Virtues Project™ materials include books, cards, and posters to foster the practice of virtues in individuals, families, schools, and organizations. There are thousands of VP facilitators worldwide.

Virtues are universal qualities of character honored by all cultures.

The Virtues Project™ features 52 virtues and five practical strategies for bringing out the best in all of us.

For an overview of The Virtues Project™ and 5 strategies watch a short video at http://ondemand.neaacademy.org/

Five Strategies of The Virtues Project™:

1. Speak the Language of the Virtues

Language shapes character. The way we speak, and the words we use, have great power to discourage or to inspire. The Language of Virtues inspires cooperation and replaces shaming and blaming with personal responsibility and respect.

2. Recognize Teachable Moments

This strategy is a way of viewing life as an opportunity for learning, recognizing our mistakes, our tests and challenges as opportunities to hone our virtues. It is an approach to bringing out the best in each other by asking, “What can I learn from this situation?”, “What do I need to do differently next time?, and “How can I make it right?”.

3. Set Clear Boundaries

Clear virtues-based boundaries based on respect, restorative justice, and reparation provide a positive approach to discipline and order and create a climate of peace and safety. Personal boundaries protect our time and energy.

4. Honor the Spirit

This strategy begins with respect for the dignity of each person and encourages us to make time for reflection, reverence, and beauty. It is expressing what is meaningful in our lives by participating in the arts, honoring special life events, and sharing our stories. Creating Vision Statements increases unity and morale in our homes, schools and workplaces.

5. Offer Companioning™

Companioning is a deep listening art and skill which supports healing, encourages moral choice, and allows the safe expression of feelings. It helps in counseling, conflict resolution, and disciplinary situations. Companioning helps us to get to the heart of the matter when individuals are in grief or crisis. It involves true presence and listening, asking clarifying questions, allowing individuals to empty their cup, and solve their own problems.

For more information, contact betsy@virtuestraining.com