Small & Gutsy Features Character -Wise, the Youth Character Development Program that Works!

In this episode, Dr. Laura Scherck Wittcoff speaks with Keith Lietzke, Co-Founder of Character-Wise, an innovative after-school program designed to address two critical challenges facing young people today: the mental health crisis and the declining state of civil discourse. Character-Wise teaches seven character strengths to third graders through interactive, experiential learning while simultaneously creating meaningful volunteer opportunities for recently retired adults. The Connection Between Civil Discourse and Character Development - How the way we argue reflects who we are becoming - Aristotle's belief that character is formed through habit and repeated action - The role of respectful disagreement as a moral exercise The Origin Story of Character-Wise - Keith and Mark's concerns during COVID about mental health and during the 2020 election about civil discourse - Discovery of positive psychology research from the 1970s-80s showing that building character strengths leads to improved individual well-being and better interpersonal relationships - The decision to focus on elementary school students, specifically third grade Why Third Grade? - Third graders have the mental ability to understand concepts like fairness and courage - They are still receptive to adult guidance The Dual Mission of Character-Wise - Building character strengths in young people - Providing meaningful volunteer opportunities for recently retired adults seeking purpose and community contribution - The name "Character-Wise" reflects this dual focus *Program Structure* - 8-week program with 7 classes focusing on individual character strengths plus one wrap-up session - Classes include: quick introduction, group activity, read-aloud, and small group breakout sessions - Students create leaves for a tree visual metaphor, writing how they demonstrated each character strength - Free add-on to existing after-school programs at elementary schools, Boys and Girls Clubs, and YMCAs - Intentional sequencing alternates between other-centered and me-centered strengths *Teaching Methodology* - Minimal adult lecture; maximum student engagement through activities - After sitting in school all day, kids respond with enthusiasm when given hands-on activities - Read-alouds performed by adults to avoid shaming students with varying reading levels - Small group discussions before leaf-writing to help kids who struggle with ideas - Visual posters and slogans to reinforce concepts *Pilot Program Results* - Kids were deeply engaged and understood character content - When a class was cancelled due to a coach's illness, students were disappointed and looked forward to the program - When asked if they'd recommend the program to friends, responses were enthusiastic, with all hands raised - Four volunteer coaches in pilots; only one had previous classroom experience - All coaches expressed desire to continue coaching - Program uses a manual with activity prompts and ongoing support for coaches *Parent Engagement Component* - Weekly emails to parents about the character strength being taught that week - Suggestions for group activities families can do together - YouTube readings of character-themed books - Video recommendations aligned with weekly topics - Future plans include more robust parent materials *Future Vision and Goals* - Currently piloting in the Northeast - Rolling out in fall to full production mode - Audacious goal: 1,000 character coaches across the United States - Plans to expand office hours and peer mentoring among coaches - Potential integration into public school curricula - Website under development: character-wise.org - Interest in partnerships with influencers in the retirement community About Small & Gutsy Small & Gutsy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit podcast spotlighting nonprofits and social enterprises with budgets under $10 million. Recently ranked: - Number 8 on Feed Spot's Top 30 Social Impact Podcasts - Number 3 and Number 9 by Million Podcasts for Top 30 Volunteer Podcasts and Youth Empowerment Episodes, respectively --- Contact Information *Character-Wise:* - Email: keys.lipski@gmail.com - Website: character-wise.org (launching soon) *Small & Gutsy Podcast:* - Email: laura@smallandgutsy.org - Website: smallandgutsy.org