Character Does Matter
The CHARACTER DOES MATTER leadership program (CDM) was created in the spirit of 1st LT Travis Manion, USMC, and the thousands of other young men and women who courageously gave their all for our tomorrow. It is designed to challenge young men and women to look for the moments in their lives where they can do good – to recognize both big and small decisions as opportunities to stand up for others, defend what’s right, and help those around; to encourage each and every person to ask themselves “IF NOT ME, THEN WHO…”
There are no easy metrics for measuring the character of a high school or middle school student. However we believe that good people with relatable stories who care passionately about the future of our world must do something. Otherwise there’s a chance too many young people will enter adulthood with a sound education in math, science and technology but lacking in the character and leadership traits necessary to choose right from wrong and influence others to do good in the process.
The CDM program is structured as follows:
STEP 1: PRESENTATION. A 45min- 1hour presentation to a student body/youth group that focuses on developing your personal character using four pillars- Courage, Service, Integrity, and Leadership. Students are given real life relatable examples of individuals that possess these characteristics. Travis’s life of service is a central theme throughout the presentation, his motto- “If Not Me Then Who…” provides the backdrop for inspiring the students to challenge themselves to do more in their own communities.
“Your presentation was powerful, educational, and personal. I know all of the young men in attendance took something from your efforts. The Travis Manion Foundation matters and it does make a difference, thanks again.”
- Paul Kostacopoulos, Naval Academy Head Baseball coach
STEP 2: MEET YOUR HERO. At the conclusion of the presentation students are shown one final slide, that of a fallen service member. The fallen service member’s story is shared with the students as the one they will adopt to go out and serve in honor of. The students are then asked if they will accept the challenge to complete a service project in honor of this fallen service member. Those who accept the challenge are given an “If Not Me Then Who…” wristband.
“Thank you so much for coming today. I hope the students are as inspired as I am after your presentation!”
- Douglas Schmitt, Collingswood Middle School Honors Math teacher
It would be easy to rely on anecdotal media reports that young people today lack character or moral strength. Instead we’d rather jump into schools and youth organizations and share stories every student can understand and challenge them to make the right decisions in their own lives.
STEP 3: SERVICE CHALLENGE: Guidelines of the service project are presented by the administration to the student body. Along with that a folder containing the guidelines in detail, a service hour log, examples of service projects, instructions on essay format, and bio of the fallen hero that will serve in honor of.
“I want to thank you for giving us a glimpse of your brother’s life. You gave an outstanding presentation and its contents made an impact on our Freshman students. Please accept our sincere gratitude for helping our students on their journey to become fine young men. I am sure we will be in contact to discuss future presentations from the Travis Manion Foundation. I know your words made a tremendous impact on everyone.”
- Melanie May, LaSalle College High School
There aren’t “character” or “leadership” classes in middle schools or high schools, but through the Character Does Matter program – and our group of dynamic speakers – we can plant a seed with thousands of students that character is vital to their future. In the process we help inspire teachers and other educators to incorporate discussions about character and American heroes into future curriculum.
STEP 4: MAKE A DIFFERENCE: Students have until September 15th, 2012 to submit their service hour log along with essay to the Travis Manion Foundation. Upon completion of both of these, students will be awarded a certificate indicating that they have completed the Travis Manion Foundation “If Not Me, Then Who…” Service Challenge.
- Mallory, Junior at C.B. West High School
In the first half of 2011, we were able to present Character Does Matter to more than 45,000 young adults. More than half of those are minority children who attend urban schools. We leave behind “If Not Me, Then Who” wrist bands for every student in the hope it serves as a daily challenge to do what’s right.
“I am forwarding your info to my wife’s school as well as to other schools I have contacts in. Thanks again for a great presentation - I sent you a couple of letters from the kids. The kids absolutely loved the assembly and were peppering me with all kinds of questions about Travis - not that I could answer them all.”
- Peter DeFeo, Lumberton Middle School Assistant Principal
STEP 5: HONOR THE HARD WORK: Three students will be contacted by October 30th as recipients of a scholarship based on their service project and follow up essay.
STEP 6: TMF GALA RECOGNITION: Scholarship awardees will attend the TMF Gala on December 6th where they will be presented with their scholarship award.
