Core Values (Character) & Virtues–are they the same thing? Yes, in that they are woven into the same “fabric of character.”
As I recently took a course at the Anne Arundel Community College’s TEACH Institute and Parenting Center–Introduction to the Virtues Project–now, with a better understanding of what the Virtues Project is, and how it aligns with The JNP Project, I am beginning to reference all this as a term I like to call the “fabric of character.” Core values are which The JNP Project’s adventure book series, Jane & Jake’s Adventures to Awesome (and all supporting empowerment tools) focuses on: Truth, Kindness, Harmony, Forgiveness, Giving, Love, Determination, Compassion, Strength, and Character, and The Virtues Project complements all this SEL (Social Emotional Learning) beautifully.
The JNP Project focuses on core values, which together, make up our individual character. Our “Me!” In the White Paper, Virtue Ethics without Character Traits, by Gilbert Harman, Princeton University, 8/18/99, he states, “In one version of virtue ethics, moral virtues are robust character traits possessed by ideally morally virtuous people. The character traits in question are acquired robust habits of perception, motivation and action: habits of perceiving situations in certain ways, habits of being motivated to act in certain ways, and habits of actually acting in those ways. In this view, to specify a moral virtue is to specify the relevant perceptual, motivational, and behavioral habits.” Summing up to character.
In the Character Traits Chart, by Character-in-Action® (image below) notes that “virtue” is one of their listed character traits. Character-in-Action defines the virtue trait as: Virtue = begins by comprehending that there is a clear, absolute standard of right and wrong, and then acts to bring every area of life into conformity to that absolute standard. And, The Virtues Project’s mission is “recognizing the gifts within.”
In conclusion, I wanted to state that our character, the essence of who we believe we are, in which we draw our strengths and values from (our own inner-awesome super-powers), is in essence our fabric of character–made up of core values and virtues. That is why it is so important to me to take note of our virtues and be advised by our virtues facilitators as we continue to create content for JNP.
NOTE: This series is written as a GUEST BLOG by our own JNP Advisory Committee Member, Ms. Biteena Frazier — now, our JNP Ambassador to the Middle East. She is a Master Solution-Focused Practitioner, PCI Certified Parent Coach and Virtues Project Facilitator. She has left the USA to pursue an interesting opportunity to help develop a behavior management and character development program for a new international school in the Middle East.
THE FIVE STRATEGIES OF THE VIRTUES PROJECT
Caregivers have three ways they can influence children: 1) building relationship, 2) setting boundaries, and 3) role modeling. The Five Strategies® of The Virtues Project® offer tools that equip parents to experience success in all three areas of parenting.
In the following series of JNP guest-blog posts, I’ll be defining each of these strategies in detail–the core focus of The Virtues Project. These strategies inspire individuals to live more authentic, joyful lives; families to raise children of compassion and integrity; educators to crate safe, caring and high-performing learning communities; and leaders to inspire excellence and ethics in the workplace.
1. Speak the Language of the Virtues
Language has the power to inspire or to discourage. using virtues to acknowledge, guide, correct and thank awakens the best within us.
What are your strength virtues? What are your growth virtues?
2. Recognize Teachable Moments
Recognizing the virtues needed in daily challenges helps us to become lifelong learners open to the lessons of character.
What lessons are you learning at this time in your life?
3. Set Clear Boundaries
Boundaries based on respect and restorative justice create a climate of peace, cooperation and safety in our homes, schools and communities.
What boundaries do you have? What boundaries do you need?
4. Honor the Spirit
We sustain our vision and purpose by integrating virtues into our activities, surrounds, celebrations and the arts.
How do you honor your personal spirit and the spirit of your group?
5. Offer Companioning
Being deeply present and listening with compassionate curiosity guides others to find clarity and to create their own solutions.
How well do you listen to others, to yourself? What really needs to be heard?
For a list of The Virtues, please visit The Virtues Project website at www.virtuesproject.com.
Below is the basic list of 100 virtues:
* Ms. Biteena Frazier, is a School Counselor, and will be training staff in The Five Strategies® of The Virtues Project® at a school in the middle-east, with children from over 40 countries around the globe! She will be involved with The JNP Project as our Ambassador to the Middle-East, and will be Skyping with me regularly. As Biteena grows into her role, I will share more with you on the positive learning and experiences she is having overseas.
Join Jane, Jake and all their friends on the adventures to discover your inner awesome, together!
~ ~ ~
Note: This Blog is a chronological diary of a start-up-company—The JNP Project’s Journey—reading it from the start, will broaden your understanding of the path we are on, together, and hopefully, positively influence you in some way!
FYI Tip: To get the overall understanding of Character Traits & Virtues, and the Language of Virtues, read all of the 8 blogs in this Founder’s Blog series.
No comments yet.