The Virtue Project

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The Virtue Project

Mission Statement:  The Virtue Project is a practical character formation program for individuals, couples, families, and communities, integrating the fundamental truths of philosophy and theology with the developmental insights of psychology.

Goal:  The development, presentation, and dissemination of The Virtue Project through workshops, books, workbooks/curriculum, the Virtue U. online program, and CD’s/DVD’s

How does The Virtue Project work?

Briefly, The Virtue Project is a character formation program that brings abundant life through the identification, study, and ongoing practice of good habits (a.k.a. Virtues).

The Virtue Project contains six modules, designed to impact every level of the family system.  The modules complement each other, but can also stand alone.

• The Believer
• The Couple
• The Parents
• The Family
• The Teen
• The Child

Aristotle wrote that, “Excellence is a habit not an act.”  We don’t change, we don’t become excellent because we feel or think a lot…we change because we develop good habits, and then live them day in and day out! 

And there are particular virtues (good habits) that must be acquired for this change to be most transformative and lasting.  Philosophy, theology and developmental psychology all affirm this. 

How is The Virtue Project unique?

The Virtue Project (TVP) is unique in several key ways:

Practical:

Character Formation programs have traditionally been theoretical and academic, but not practical and easily accessible to those lacking a background in theology and philosophy.  TVP program understands that people must understand what virtues are, but they must also understand how to develop them in real life…and this must be done in a time-sensitive manner.    

Contextual:

Virtues are never practiced or acquired in a vacuum.  Yet, traditionally, character formation programs have lacked a “systems perspective” that takes into account the social context within which one is attempting to practice and acquire virtues, and the challenges inherent.  TVP understands this critical systemic/contextual issue, as well as “sensitive periods” of emotional/psychological development (i.e. when particular virtues can be best understood and practiced).  TVP seamlessly integrates the best of Social, Developmental, and Family Systems Psychology with the perennial truths of philosophy and theology in order to broaden and deepen the positive impact.

 Strategic:

Resisting the typical “shot gun approach” to character formation, TVP has identified key virtues that, when properly understood and practiced, lead to healing and wholeness for individuals, couples, and families.  This discernment of key virtues, these building blocks for a truly successful life, is grounded in Natural Law and fundamental Christian theological truths. 

TVP identifies and defines key virtues that form and inform.            

The Believer:   Responsibility, Forgiveness, Availability, Patience, Gratitude

The Couple:  Chastity, Play, Generativity, Empathy, Remembrance

The Parents:  Nurturance, Protectiveness, Adaptability, Communication, Foresight  

The Family:  Justice, Prudence, Courage, Moderation, Religion

The Teen:  Friendship, Modesty, Humility, Audacity, Patriotism

TheChild:  Order, Generosity, Obedience, Industriousness, Honesty

Engaging:

TVP is presented in an engaging format that is interesting and empowering, using compelling stories, models, and case studies of virtue to bring theory to life.  And ready-made action plans provide participants with a concrete blue print for practicing and acquiring the desired virtues, without over-simplifying the subject matter.

Goals for The Virtue Project:

• Six Virtue Therapy seminars to be presented throughout the country
• Workbooks/Curriculum to accompany the six modules
• Six books
• CDs/DVDs
• The Virtue U. online program
• Impacting culture for Life