© 2012
We make hundreds of decisions every day. Some are small. Some are life changing, although we may not know their significance when we make them. This program's premise—in the words of the Buddha, recited in every workshop Opening—is that "our thoughts and actions become habits and our habits shape our character." We have some control over our character. We can shape the person we want to be by making intentional, thoughtful decisions.
Contents
Introduction
From Virtue Ethics
The Program Live a good life. If there are gods and they are just, then they will not care how devout you have been, but will welcome you based on the virtues you have lived by. If there are gods, but unjust, then you should not want to worship them....
Program Structure
From Virtue Ethics
After the first one, all workshops share the same basic structure. Activities explore the meaning of a particular virtue and its "upside" and "downside," the virtue's role in participants' lives so far, hypothetical dilemmas, and finally, ways the youth could incorporate the virtue into their...
Leader Guidelines
From Virtue Ethics
Allocate time to prepare for each workshop, including time to do the Spiritual Preparation exercise, perhaps with your co-leader. Remember, this curriculum is primarily about the young people....
Implementation
From Virtue Ethics
The curriculum design is modular. You can provide the series of workshops in sequence or offer stand-alone workshops. In the recurring activity, Practice, the youth create an anklet. You will want to revise or delete this activity if you are doing only a few workshops. The full series includes...
Before You Start
From Virtue Ethics
Read the curriculum before you begin the program, focusing especially on the materials lists. Take note of activities that require extra preparation, and plan ahead so you will have the necessary materials in time. For example, you will need journals and materials to make anklets at the first...
Resources
From Virtue Ethics
Living Values Activities for Young Adults by Diane Tillman (Deerfield Beach, FL: Health Communications, Inc., 2000) Ethical Leadership: The Quest for Character, Civility, and Community by Walter Earl Fluker (Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2009) The Gift of Faith: Tending the Spiritual Lives of...
Facilitator Feedback Form
From Virtue Ethics
We welcome your critique of this program, as well as your suggestions. Thank you for your feedback! Your input improves programs for all of our congregations. Please forward your feedback to: Faith Development Office Ministries and Faith Development Unitarian Universalist Association 25 Beacon...
Participant Feedback Form
From Virtue Ethics
We welcome your critique of this program, as well as your suggestions. Thank you for your feedback! Your input improves programs for all of our congregations. Please forward your feedback to: Faith Development Office Ministries and Faith Development Unitarian Universalist Association 25 Beacon...
Download all of Virtue Ethics (Word) (PDF ) to edit or print.