Origins
The Virtues Project began in Canada in 1991; the founders wanted to do something to counter a growing trend of violence in high schools and colleges in North America. They saw a need for a multicultural resource that would help young people find their inner strength and goodness. After much study of the worlds' wisdom traditions, virtues were identified as a common theme, and The Virtues Project was born. It quickly spread around the world as an independent NGO - not affiliated with any government, corporate, educational, or religious organization.
Vision
The vision of The Virtues Project is to serve humanity by supporting the ethical and spiritual development of people of all cultures, by helping us remember who we really are, and to live by our highest values. Ongoing inspirational programs, and character-education materials, support communities to bring out the best in people of all ages.
Programs
Virtues Project workshops and programs focus on the Five Strategies of The Virtues Project, in personal, professional and community development.
Examples are: Parenting Life-skills Courses, Character Education Initiatives, Positive Cultural Change, Violence Prevention and Intervention, Transformation of Bullying Behaviour, Community Building, Leadership Development, Facilitator Training, and Personal Growth Retreats.
Virtues Project Presentations can take the form of an inspirational keynote for a conference, a series of community development workshops for a group in crisis, an ongoing character education program within a school, corporate leadership training, or personal development retreats.