Character Does Matter

VETERANS AND SURVIVORS DEVELOPING CHARACTER IN THE NEXT GENERATION_

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Character Does Matter

Doing the right thing


Character Does Matter Mentors develop character and leadership skills in young adults. Grounded in the evidence-based field of Positive Psychology, they use a strengths-based approach to develop character traits in the next generation through a combination of informal discussions and activity-based learning.

this one program addresses two problems

First, more than 55% of veterans feel disconnected from civilian life.

Second, more than one in three young people – that’s 16 million young adults – never had a positive role model or mentor.

Both groups improve their overall well-being through engagement, stronger relationships and developing purpose through serving others.

 

TWO UNIQUE WAYS

CDM Mentors connect with youth

Character Does Matter

Character and Leadership Presentations


By sharing stories of real people who exemplify great character and leadership, CDM Mentors demonstrate what it means to live the “If Not Me, Then Who…” ethos – and then challenge students to do the same.

Character Does Matter

Veteran and Youth Mentorship


CDM Mentors build relationships with young adults, helping them develop character and leadership through day-long and multi-day experiences, to include team-building exercises, group discussions and experiential learning challenges. As part of the program, students commit to participating in a service project in honor of fallen heroes.

CHARACTER DOES MATTER

FOLLOW THESE THREE STEPS TO BECOME A MENTOR

01

Create a Spartan Development Center Account

The Spartan Development Center is TMF's online training and resource center. It is the 24/7 portal where you will access TMF training courses and our extensive resource library to help you bring our programs to your community.

02

Complete an Introductory Online Course

After you register for your free account, you'll be able to complete the TMF Leading With Your Strengths Course. It is designed to help you learn about your personal character strengths and start to identify your values and passions in order to enhance your well-being. You must complete this online course as part of your CDM Mentor training.

03

Attend an In-Person or Virtual CDM Mentor Training Session

The training will cover our character development curriculum and fully prepare volunteers to deliver it to students in their communities. Volunteers who complete the training will have all the resources they need to deploy the Character Does Matter program.

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Additional Programmatic Support From

This program is powered in part by Wounded Warrior Project® to honor and empower post-9/11 injured service members, veterans, and their families

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JNJ2  Schultz Family Foundation Logo2

Bring CDM to your students


The program is completely free for schools and youth groups thanks to TMF’s generous supporters.

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Join an open CDM classroom


TMF Veteran Mentors host character lessons for students and/or classes to join virtually. Click below for upcoming sessions.

Join an "Open" Classroom
Our Duty Is Never Done

Are You Ready To Answer The Call?

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TMF Stats:
001 78,000+ Veterans + Survivors Empowered
002 200,000+ Spartan Members
003 500,000+ Youth Living "If Not Me, Then Who..." Movement