Character Does Matter

Veteran-Led Youth Mentoring Program

EMPOWERING VETERANS TO DEVELOP CHARACTER IN FUTURE GENERATIONS

WHAT IS CHARACTER DOES MATTER?


The hallmark program of TMF, Character Does Matter (CDM) powered by UA Freedom, is a youth mentorship program led by veterans and families of the fallen volunteers that helps develop character and leadership skills in young adults. Grounded in the evidence-based field of Positive Psychology, CDM uses presentations, activity-based courses, group discussions and small group mentoring to inspire youth to lead with character in and outside of the classroom.

CREATING LONG-TERM IMPACT ON YOUTH

THE IMPORTANCE OF YOUTH MENTORSHIP


With one in three youth reporting they do not have a positive mentor in their life, it’s critical to create opportunities where they can learn the value of character from others. Due to their personal experiences and inherent ability to lead, veterans and families of the fallen are poised to fill that role. Our youth mentoring program has been shown to positively impact behaviors and attitudes among school-aged youth in areas including self-reflection, confidence, goal setting, leadership, service and more.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR IMPACT ON YOUTH
CONNECTING VETERANS WITH YOUTH

DELIVERING YOUTH MENTORSHIP IN UNIQUE WAYS


CDM is delivered by volunteer Veteran Mentors in several different but equally impactful ways: individual presentations; longer, more in-depth leadership courses; small group mentoring, and community service engagements where Mentors and youth serve alongside each other to fill pressing needs in communities. In all cases, curriculum and interaction with Mentors help youth explore individual character strengths and how they can apply them in their homes, schools, and communities at large.

Character Does Matter addresses two problems:

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

More than one in three young people - 16 million young adults - report they’ve 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.

Bring CDM to Your Students

CDM is free to bring to your school or youth group thanks to generous supporters of TMF. Request a CDM Mentor for your school event below. 

IMPACT ON VETERANS AND FAMILIES OF THE FALLEN

FINDING RENEWED PURPOSE AS A MENTOR TO YOUTH


To date, thousands of veterans and families of the fallen have volunteered their time to train and serve as Mentors to youth across the country. Developing character in future generations has provided them with renewed purpose and a sense of community. It’s also given them a chance to serve alongside youth to fill pressing needs in communities through service.

BECOME A MENTOR
BECOME A CHARACTER DOES MATTER MENTOR

Start your journey as a volunteer Mentor by following these steps:

01

Create a Spartan Development Center Account

To get started, first create a free account in our Spartan Development Center. This online portal will be where you access training and other resources to help you impact youth in your community as a CDM Mentor.

TAKE THE FIRST STEP>
02

Complete CDM Mentor Training

Becoming a CDM Mentor is a multi-step process that includes 2-3 hours of online training, completing a volunteer background check and attending a 90-minute live session with a TMF staff member.

03

Connect with Local Youth

Once you’ve completed all the required training steps, you’ll meet your local TMF staff and they’ll help you connect with local schools and community groups to begin your journey as a CDM Mentor.

ua freedom

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

  WWP Logo

Our Duty Is Never Done

Are You Ready To Answer The Call?

Join our Mission
TMF Stats:
001 78,000+ Veterans + Survivors Empowered
002 200,000+ Spartan Members
003 550,000+ Youth Living "If Not Me, Then Who..." Movement