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The Virtues Gazette Bringing Virtues To Life |
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The Virtues Gazette Bringing Virtues To Life |
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Welcome to the inaugural issue of THE VIRTUES GAZETTE a free monthly e-newsletter that brings you practical ways to boost "moral intelligence" in the work place, schools, families and communities.
IN THIS ISSUE:
- What are virtues?
- Why teach virtues?
- What is moral intelligence?
- Virtue of the Month-Peacefulness
- Virtue Gems-Inspirational Stories of Virtues In Action
- Calendar of events, news and special offers
- Subscription information
1. WHAT ARE VIRTUES?
Virtues are the qualities of the human spirit, such as compassion, kindness, integrity, justice, self-control, respect and honesty. They are building blocks of good character honored by all cultures and spiritual traditions.Virtues are powers that every human being has innate within them from birth. The question is, how can we learn to use these powers in every day life? How can we teach them to our children? How can we use them in the workplace? List of 52 basic virtues
2. WHY TEACH VIRTUES?
Currently there is a worldwide crisis in good character that has a negative impact on every area of life. Theodore Roosevelt said, "To educate a person in mind and not in morals is to educate a menace to society." To stop "moral drift" we all need to take an active role in demonstrating and teaching the virtues. Virtues education represents a move away from moral relativism. It teaches standards of good behavior that are valued by all cultures and spiritual traditions. Learn more at Character Education: Does it Work?
3. WHAT IS "MORAL INTELLIGENCE"?
- Head--Knowledge of the right thing to do
- Heart--Desiring to do the right thing
- Hand-Putting the right thing into action at the right time and place
Read what Dr. Michele Borba, author of Building Moral Intelligence, has to say.
4. VIRTUE OF THE MONTH-PEACEFULNESS-- By Nancy A. Watters, MA
I find the daily news of wars, famine, hate crimes, terrorism, dishonesty and immorality to be a constant reminder of the critical need for all of us to take whatever steps we can to create a culture of peace and integrity around us. A recent speaking tour in the South Pacific caused me to think deeply about the virtue of peacefulness. One meaning of "Pacific" is "peaceful". Peacefulness includes 1) personal tranquility, 2) friendly relations between individuals and 3) peace between nations. As I traveled throughout Samoa and Tonga the peacefulness of those cultures enveloped me. It was evident in welcoming smiles, ready laughter, warm hospitality, enthusiastic singing, less violence on TV and a widespread feeling of unity and cultural pride. On the other hand, there is also a fair measure of family violence, as in most parts of the world. So a national human rights education campaign was designed to promote moral education as a positive solution. During July, over 1,100 people participated in 23 workshops, symposiums, parent meetings, secondary school presentations and gatherings with governmental officials. These activities inspired an overwhelming enthusiasm for virtues education and a commitment to creating peaceful families. View a photo essay of these activities at South Pacific Tour
WORDS OF WISDOM: "This is the way of peace: overcome evil with good, falsehood with truth, and hatred with love." Peace Pilgrim
ACTION IDEA: Did you know that the average American child sees 200,000 violent acts on TV by age 18? To experience more peace in your home, try turning off your TV for 30 days. To understand the benefits go to TV-Turnoff Network.
SIGNS OF SUCCESS: Congratulations! You are practicing Peacefulness when you:
[From The Virtues Project (Tm) Educator's Guide by Linda Kavelin Popov--www.virtuesproject.com]
REFLECTION: What will you do to create a small oasis of peace in the world today?
- Create inner peace with a regular time to pray, meditate, reflect
- Use peaceful language even when you are angry
- Speak gently and respectfully
- Find peaceful solutions to every problem
5. VIRTUE GEMS--INSPIRATIONAL SUCCESS STORIES
This summer, hundreds of secondary students throughout Samoa heard presentations on "Responsibilities of Healthy Families". The focus was on The Virtues Project (Tm) as a means of promoting the dignity of each family member and creating peaceful homes. Here's what two of the participants said:
"I learned that giving recognition of the virtues in others and ourselves can help prevent suicide, depression, violence and abuse." Student at Leififi College, Samoa
"I feel these workshops should be placed in every school throughout the world." Kathy, Reading recovery teacher, Ocean of Light School, Tonga
DO YOU HAVE AN INSPIRING STORY OF "VIRTUES IN ACTION" TO SHARE? Send your stories to
- Submissions must be 300 words or less.
- Indicate your full name, and the city, state/province, country where you reside.
- By submitting you accept that your text may not be posted, and may be abridged. Your words will not be changed.
- We will credit your name and country to your text, or NWBR (name withheld by request), and country. Please indicate if you wish for NWBR.
- If you are quoting from from someone else's words, please use quote marks " ..." and properly credit the source.
- We will not give your e-mail address to any other party.
- Let us know if you would like a link to your web site.
6. CALENDAR OF EVENTS, NEWS, SPECIAL OFFERS
UPCOMING WORKSHOPS
HOW DO I ARRANGE FOR A PRESENTATION, WORKSHOP OR KEYNOTE SPEECH?--Contact Nancy Watters at
TOLL FREE PHONE: 866-386-0253 [North America]
PHONE/FAX: 250-746-3626
©2003 Watters & Associates Webmaster