April in Review: Global Unity with a Hometown Feel

Hey Virtues Matter community,

Does it feel like the world is getting smaller? It does for us!

The Virtues Matter team was on three different continents last month. With Dara in India, Chopper, who grew up on our same street, now living in Tunisia, and Dave at home in North America, Virtues Matter had an international mission with family values. 

The 'New Normal' is about (re)connection. As we mentioned in our March Newsletter, there's a unique opportunity to rediscover a sense of purpose and belonging in our communities. The Coronavirus pandemic made us realize that we are joined together with people down the street - and also across the ocean. For us, a New Normal means a new level of commitment to local communities and global unity.  

Peace begins at home - and so does positive change. The world changes when we show curiosity for what inspires our neighbors, serve local initiatives, support our schools, and feel joy and pride for our traditions and where we come from. 

Our team shares a zip code (not to mention, two share a last name): we’re passionate and proud Marylanders from Montgomery County. Dedication to our local community is a central part of each of our stories: Dara, in schools, Dave, in sustainability, and Chopper, in youth empowerment. We’re privileged to partner with so many DC, Bethesda, Baltimore, and Virginia initiatives, because we’re deepening lifelong roots.

We also bring a local and global mindset to everything we do. There is a heightened need for wellbeing for teachers, youth, and community members everywhere - especially as many populations are being left out of the conversation. That’s why we’re committed to serving worldwide - both online or in person. 

No matter where you are in the world, we’re grateful you’re part of the Virtues Matter community - and look forward to connecting with you soon. 

With joy and gratitude, 

Dave, Dara, and Chopper

Virtues in Action  

Educator and Student Wellbeing Worldwide: This month, Dara was in Lucknow, India bringing restorative practices to the largest school in the world - City Montessori School. Over the course of three weeks, she facilitated wellbeing circles and team development workshops supporting empowerment, healing, and unity for teachers, staff, and students. Learn more about our services here.

“The purpose of education is to release the capacities latent in human beings… and instill in them the capacity to become a self-motivated agent of social transformation." - City Montessori School Mission Statement

PeaceJam and Youth Changemakers Virtues Matter was chosen to present at PeaceJam Mid-Atlantic’s Compassion in Action Conference alongside Nobel Prize Laureate Kailash Satyarthi. PeaceJam is an international initiative that connects young people to the mentorship of Nobel Peace Prize Laureates and provides tools to put idealism into action. We introduced strategies to help high school students lead and live with excellence, appreciation and zeal. 

 “The power of youth is the common wealth for the entire world. No segment in society can match the power, idealism, enthusiasm, and courage of the young people.” Kailash Satyarthi 

Community Leadership Connection Circle: Last month, a growing group of 40+ leaders came together to discuss ‘Excellence in Leadership’ and improving culture in our organizations and communities. The Virtues Project co-founder Linda Kavelin-Popov brought a wealth of wisdom and peacefulness elevating strategies that that honored our hopes and challenges. 

Registration for our FREE monthly circle is always open to leaders, change-makers, and entrepreneurs.

The University of Maryland: We deepened our roots in Maryland with a recent team development workshop with the University of Maryland Alumni Association - an initiative particularly close to our hearts because Dara and Dave are both alumni (Stay Fearless and Go Terps!). Facing challenges of returning in person and developing hybrid models of work while uplifting team unity and performance, organizations are looking for tools to generate trust, enthusiasm, and authentic connection amongst staff - which was our call to action. 

Reach out to Dave [email protected] to learn more about building culture in your organization.