CiViL Groups is a character education program that combines mentoring, small group counseling and service to help students work through the personal and relational issues that too often disable the growth of healthy character, values and leadership. Offered as a service to public schools, CiViL Groups uses a non-religious approach to building character excellence.
MENTORING
Relationship is the most important tool for helping a students. When an adult takes the time to listen to a student in a caring way, the adult builds trust and gains credibility. By focusing on the feelings, beliefs and concerns of students, adults communicate that the students’ point of view matters and that someone cares about them. Students respond by talking openly about the struggles that often surround character and value decisions.
“You can’t talk about it to everybody.
You gotta have somebody you can trust.”
SMALL GROUPS
With a few friends and a capable, caring adult facilitator, it is possible for a student to talk about the choices, feelings and beliefs that influence decision-making. The concern of the adult mentor is amplified when other members of the group understand and offer support. Knotty problems loosen. Tough decisions become easier. Isolation turns to teamwork. And instead of being a negative influence, peers become a positive force for encouragement, support and accountability.
SERVICE
In CiViL Service, students participate in public service on the local and national level. They learn to give of themselves and find that, as they make a difference in the lives of others, they too are changed.
MORE INFORMATION
For more information on CiViL Groups and how you can participate as a student, teacher, volunteer, or group facilitator, go to civilgroups.org.