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
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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
