Literature that Inspires Civic Engagement and Participation in Democracy
Cathy Berger Kaye
Eager to know the best books to engage students in transforming the written page into service? Learn how fiction and nonfiction can build character traits while students read about the history of climate change (it’s a thriller), or understand a third world culture (written by youth). Find the perfect book to start a recycling campaign or have kids reflect on acts of kindness. Enliven any subject, all grades! 

Reclaiming Competition for Character
David Shields
Competition, whether in sports or classrooms, often degenerates into antagonism and antisocial behavior.  In this presentation, we will discuss how to reclaim competition for excellence, ethics, and enjoyment.  We will see that properly organized and led, competitive experiences can provide powerful opportunities for promoting positive character and citizenship development.

JROTC- Service Learning through Citizenship and Character
LTC(R) Justin Blum
How the Eleven Principles of Effective Character can be utilized by a JROTC department to conduct citizenship oriented service-learning projects. The session will also show how the JROTC program can be the catalyst in enabling the entire school to become a State School or a National School of Character in conjunction with the collaborative community partnerships in the conduct of those service projects.

The Power of Morning Meeting 
Andy Dousis
Learn about how the components of Morning Meeting provide a safe transition from home to school and prepare children academically and socially for the rest of the learning day.

Creating a Code of Student Conduct
Phil Brown, Mona Noyes
Creating a code of student conduct rooted in core ethical values supports positive student behavior and development, and sets the tone for democratic processes, discipline that is fair and programs that broaden school culture.

The Class Constitution
Diane Vance, Jonathan Erwin
The Class Constitution forms a strong foundation for a classroom or school-wide character education program.  It involves a process that encourages every student’s voice in the development of a shared vision of the group behavioral norms and the supporting ethical principles (or character traits) that the class or the school wants to guide its interactions.  It is a powerful way of giving students’ ownership in the “rules” and helping students gain a clear understanding of what it means to be safe, respectful, responsible, caring, etc. 

Civic Engagement and Character Development
Dick Daniels
Service learning provides a compressed learning experience that accelerates the character development process.  With intentional planning, student preparation, and structured reflection, students will learn, apply, and value the importance of character as citizens of democracy.

Interactive Storytelling for Character Development and Citizenship
Cheryl Thornton
This imaginative and fun session introduces K-8 grade educators to dynamic interactive storytelling techniques that enhance socio-emotional learning. Through direct interaction, attendees will learn how to hold the attention of students, inspire group participation and effectively teach positive values through the practice of masterful storytelling. With emphasis placed on multicultural stories, educators will learn how stories can be 'brought to life' and used to build stronger school communities and safer learning environments.

Witness and Download the Power of Storytelling
Noel Rideau
Fabulist Noel Rideau, author of Fables to Grow On, introduces the Internet Story Club of America. The free, online, Pre-K--12, language arts, character-based, reading club builds "Citizens of Character" for the next generation. Laptops are welcome, as interactive stories entertain and engage full audience participation.