Posted on Sep 15, 2017
Hello, LTC Mike Erwin here, founder of Team RWB. I'll be by on Tuesday, 9/19 at 3:00pm for a Live Q&A. What questions do you have for me?
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RallyPoint is honored to host LTC Mike Erwin, founder of Team RWB, for a live Q&A at 3:00pm EST on 9/19/2017. Mike founded Team RWB in 2010 while still serving in the Army, and still serves on its board of directors. After graduating from West Point in 2002 he served on Active Duty for 13 years. Erwin's military career includes three deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. He still serves today in the US Army Reserve.
Since Team RWB, LTC Erwin has shifted focus to The Positivity project (https://posproject.org/) which helps empower students to build strong relationships. He’s joining us today to discuss his mission with The Positivity Project, his military experience, his book “Lead Yourself First: Inspiring Leadership Through Solitude”, and more.
Since Team RWB, LTC Erwin has shifted focus to The Positivity project (https://posproject.org/) which helps empower students to build strong relationships. He’s joining us today to discuss his mission with The Positivity Project, his military experience, his book “Lead Yourself First: Inspiring Leadership Through Solitude”, and more.
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Team Red, White & Blue
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Leadership Development
Relationships
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Team Red, White & Blue Special Forces Leadership Development Relationships Q&A
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RALLYPOINT CONTINUES TO BRING THE VERY BEST IN HONORED GUEST TO ITS MEMBERS!
RP MEMBERS AND CONNECTIONS - PLEASE JOIN IN ON THE RALLYPOINT LIVE Q&A with LTC (Join to see) AT 3:00 PM EST ON 19 SEPTEMBER 2017.
WHAT A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO ASK LTC ERWIN THE REALLY GOOD QUESTIONS ABIUT HIS NEW FOCUS THE POSITIVITY PROJECT. LTC MIKE ERWIN FOUNDED TEAM RWB IN 2010 WHILE SERVING IN THE ARMY, AND STILL SERVES ON ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS. AFTER GRADUATING FROM WEST POINT IN 2002 HE SERVED ON ACTIVE DUTY FOR 13 YEARS. LTC ERWIN'S MILITARY CAREER INCLUDES THREE DEPLOYMENTS OT IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN. HE STILL SERVES TODAY IN THE US ARMY RESERVE.
POST YOUR QUESTIONS FOR LTC ERWIN IN ADVANCE ON TOPICS ABOUT THE POSITIVITY PROJECT, HIS MILITARY EXPERIENCE, HIS BOOK “LEAD YOURSELF FIRST: INSPIRING LEADERSHIP THROUGH SOLITUDE”, AND LEADERSHIP IN GENERAL.
PLEASE POST YOUR QUESTION TODAY:
https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/hello-ltc-mike-erwin-here-founder-of-team-rwb-i-ll-be-by-on-tuesday-9-19-at-3-00pm-for-a-live-q-a-what-questions-do-you-have-for-me
THE RALLYPOINT FORUM CONTINUES TO PROVIDE THESE GREAT OPPORTUNITIES TO ALL OF OUR VETERANS, SERVICE MEMBERS, RETIREES, CIVILIAN RECRUITERS, CIVILIAN SUPPORTERS, AND MILITARY FAMILY MEMBERS TO REACH OUT & ASK QUESTIONS TO FORMER SERVICE MEMBERS AND LEADERS OF OUR COUNTRY.
YOUR GREAT PARTICIPATION IS WELCOME, APPRECIATED, AND NEEDED TO KEEP THIS TYPE OF FORUM MOVING FORWARD.
THANKS FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT!
CAPT Michael MoranSGT (Join to see)Dennis AubuchonCH (CPT) James L. Machado WorkmanSSG Alan PelletierMSgt Rich MedinaSSG David AndrewsJeremiah McMillanSGT Mia Mason
RP MEMBERS AND CONNECTIONS - PLEASE JOIN IN ON THE RALLYPOINT LIVE Q&A with LTC (Join to see) AT 3:00 PM EST ON 19 SEPTEMBER 2017.
WHAT A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO ASK LTC ERWIN THE REALLY GOOD QUESTIONS ABIUT HIS NEW FOCUS THE POSITIVITY PROJECT. LTC MIKE ERWIN FOUNDED TEAM RWB IN 2010 WHILE SERVING IN THE ARMY, AND STILL SERVES ON ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS. AFTER GRADUATING FROM WEST POINT IN 2002 HE SERVED ON ACTIVE DUTY FOR 13 YEARS. LTC ERWIN'S MILITARY CAREER INCLUDES THREE DEPLOYMENTS OT IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN. HE STILL SERVES TODAY IN THE US ARMY RESERVE.
POST YOUR QUESTIONS FOR LTC ERWIN IN ADVANCE ON TOPICS ABOUT THE POSITIVITY PROJECT, HIS MILITARY EXPERIENCE, HIS BOOK “LEAD YOURSELF FIRST: INSPIRING LEADERSHIP THROUGH SOLITUDE”, AND LEADERSHIP IN GENERAL.
PLEASE POST YOUR QUESTION TODAY:
https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/hello-ltc-mike-erwin-here-founder-of-team-rwb-i-ll-be-by-on-tuesday-9-19-at-3-00pm-for-a-live-q-a-what-questions-do-you-have-for-me
THE RALLYPOINT FORUM CONTINUES TO PROVIDE THESE GREAT OPPORTUNITIES TO ALL OF OUR VETERANS, SERVICE MEMBERS, RETIREES, CIVILIAN RECRUITERS, CIVILIAN SUPPORTERS, AND MILITARY FAMILY MEMBERS TO REACH OUT & ASK QUESTIONS TO FORMER SERVICE MEMBERS AND LEADERS OF OUR COUNTRY.
YOUR GREAT PARTICIPATION IS WELCOME, APPRECIATED, AND NEEDED TO KEEP THIS TYPE OF FORUM MOVING FORWARD.
THANKS FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT!
CAPT Michael MoranSGT (Join to see)Dennis AubuchonCH (CPT) James L. Machado WorkmanSSG Alan PelletierMSgt Rich MedinaSSG David AndrewsJeremiah McMillanSGT Mia Mason
Hello, LTC Mike Erwin here, founder of Team RWB. I'll be by on Tuesday, 9/19 at 3:00pm for a Live...
RallyPoint is honored to host LTC Mike Erwin, founder of Team RWB, for a live Q&A at 3:00pm EST on 9/19/2017. Mike founded Team RWB in 2010 while still serving in the Army, and still serves on its board of directors. After graduating from West Point in 2002 he served on Active Duty for 13 years. Erwin's military career includes three deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. He still serves today in the US Army Reserve. Since Team RWB, LTC Erwin...
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LTC (Join to see)
Thank you so much for the post, COL! The Positivity Project is a non-profit organization whose mission is to empower America's youth to build strong relationships
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LTC (Join to see)
The way we do this is to equip teachers with the knowledge, training, resources and strategy to teach their students about positive psychology's 24 character strengths. I showed up to grad school at the U of Michigan in 2009 thinking I had a good understanding of what CHARACTER is from my time in the military. It turns out that character is 24 different strengths---and goes deeper than the traditional character strengths that the military emphasizes....like bravery, perseverance, duty, honor and integrity. Character includes gratitude, self-control, humor, humility and optimism---and more
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COL Mikel J. Burroughs
LTC (Join to see) - Thanks Mike for the great response and explanation. Hopefully we can connect down the road to discuss your non-profit and how the Non-Profit organization I currently Chair can connect and seek out synergies with yours. Thanks, Mikel
http://www.VictoryForVeterans.org
http://www.VictoryForVeterans.org
VictoryFor Veterans Finding our Voice. Uniting our Fight. Our Country has had entire generations of forgotten veterans It's time to put an end
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To be brutally honest I had never heard of Team RWB until my friend COL Mikel J. Burroughs mentioned me to draw me to this interactive discussion. I did some research and learned that Team RWB stands for Team Red, White and Blue.
Like most military-related organizations there is a mission statement for Team RWB:
"Enrichment is defined as creating quality relationships and experiences that contribute to life satisfaction and overall wellbeing. The concept of enrichment consists of three core components—health, people, and purpose—that define a rich life.
Enrichment Equation: Enrichment = Health + People + Purpose
a. People: Creating authentic connections (defined as genuine, quality, supportive relationships that generate mutual trust and accountability), reflected in an increased number of close relationships and improvements in teammates’ sense of belonging, purpose, and community engagement.
b. Health: Creating frequent opportunities for team members to connect through fitness, sports, and recreation to improve physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.
c. Purpose: Engaging members in meaningful team and community-based experiences such as leadership and service that, beyond physical and social activities, renew self-identity and purpose in life.
We accomplish our mission via our two core programs: our Chapter and Community Program (CCP) and our Leadership Development Program (LDP)."
From teamrwb.org/our-approach/mission
I could not find anything specific on RWB's homepage about The Positivity Project.
A broader search led me to https://posproject.org/our-approach/
Our Approach
We empower students to build strong relationships by equipping educators with the knowledge, confidence, and resources to teach positive psychology’s 24 character strengths.
STEP 1 Partner. Once a school principal signs the Principal’s Pledge, they unlock access to all of The Positivity Project’s resources.
STEP 2 Train. By sending a team of educators to a Positivity Project Implementation Training (P2IT), schools will have the knowledge and confidence necessary to teach positive psychology’s 24 character strengths.
STEP 3 Inspire. Equipped with the knowledge, confidence, and resources, teachers will be prepared to do what they do best: inspire students to become their best selves.
Why Relationships?
What is Positive Psychology?
Positive psychology is the scientific study of what makes life most worth living — and maintains that what is good in life is as genuine as what is bad. Positive psychology’s 24 character strengths are grounded in extensive research and analysis that resulted in the landmark 800-page book Character Strengths and Virtues.
Character Strengths and Virtues presents evidence that all 24 strengths exist in every person — and in all cultures of the world. Character strengths define who, not what, a person is. Ranging from bravery and forgiveness to integrity and gratitude, these character strengths are the foundation of The Positivity Project’s model.
1. What led you to get involved with The Positivity Project Positive Psychology approach to build up students?
2. What lessons are applicable to veterans especially those dealing with PTSD and other mental/psychological issues?
Like most military-related organizations there is a mission statement for Team RWB:
"Enrichment is defined as creating quality relationships and experiences that contribute to life satisfaction and overall wellbeing. The concept of enrichment consists of three core components—health, people, and purpose—that define a rich life.
Enrichment Equation: Enrichment = Health + People + Purpose
a. People: Creating authentic connections (defined as genuine, quality, supportive relationships that generate mutual trust and accountability), reflected in an increased number of close relationships and improvements in teammates’ sense of belonging, purpose, and community engagement.
b. Health: Creating frequent opportunities for team members to connect through fitness, sports, and recreation to improve physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.
c. Purpose: Engaging members in meaningful team and community-based experiences such as leadership and service that, beyond physical and social activities, renew self-identity and purpose in life.
We accomplish our mission via our two core programs: our Chapter and Community Program (CCP) and our Leadership Development Program (LDP)."
From teamrwb.org/our-approach/mission
I could not find anything specific on RWB's homepage about The Positivity Project.
A broader search led me to https://posproject.org/our-approach/
Our Approach
We empower students to build strong relationships by equipping educators with the knowledge, confidence, and resources to teach positive psychology’s 24 character strengths.
STEP 1 Partner. Once a school principal signs the Principal’s Pledge, they unlock access to all of The Positivity Project’s resources.
STEP 2 Train. By sending a team of educators to a Positivity Project Implementation Training (P2IT), schools will have the knowledge and confidence necessary to teach positive psychology’s 24 character strengths.
STEP 3 Inspire. Equipped with the knowledge, confidence, and resources, teachers will be prepared to do what they do best: inspire students to become their best selves.
Why Relationships?
What is Positive Psychology?
Positive psychology is the scientific study of what makes life most worth living — and maintains that what is good in life is as genuine as what is bad. Positive psychology’s 24 character strengths are grounded in extensive research and analysis that resulted in the landmark 800-page book Character Strengths and Virtues.
Character Strengths and Virtues presents evidence that all 24 strengths exist in every person — and in all cultures of the world. Character strengths define who, not what, a person is. Ranging from bravery and forgiveness to integrity and gratitude, these character strengths are the foundation of The Positivity Project’s model.
1. What led you to get involved with The Positivity Project Positive Psychology approach to build up students?
2. What lessons are applicable to veterans especially those dealing with PTSD and other mental/psychological issues?
We empower students to build strong relationships by equipping educators with the knowledge, confidence, and resources to teach positive psychology’s 24 character strengths.
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LTC (Join to see)
I appreciate the honesty, Stephen! And I am glad that you took the time to go look into both of the organizations which I helped found. For those interested, it's http://www.TeamRWB.org and http://www.PosProject.org
Team RWB’s mission is to enrich the lives of America’s veterans by connecting them to their community through physical and social activity.
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LTC (Join to see)
To your first question, I had the incredible honor to study positive psychology under Dr. Chris Peterson at the U of Michigan. Tragically, he died of a heart attacked in 2012. I started sharing some thoughts about character and positive psychology on social media back in 2015 and a few friends that I had grown up with---who are now teachers and principals---asked for more information about how positive psychology might help their students and their school. That began the journey in the summer of 2015 to begin building a non-profit organization that would bring a focus on character strengths to America's youth!
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LTC (Join to see)
GREAT question. To veterans dealing with PTSD and other psychological issues, I think that positive psychology reminds us all that we can ALL grow and improve, no matter where we are at in life. This is something that SECDEF Mattis has spoken about before----the idea of PTG, or post-traumatic growth. PTG is right in the sweet spot of positive psychology. It doesn't mean that every single person who experiences trauma or has PTSD is going to recover....but it does mean we all have the potential to recover if we do the right things i.e. build good relationships in our lives.
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Hi Sir,
RWB has a great presence in the Boston area with local chapters in Boston, Lowell and Manchester, NH.
What strategies have you used to successfully move members from learning about RWB to participating in events? What has failed in the past? Also, how does this information sharing happen between chapters and the central organization?
RWB has a great presence in the Boston area with local chapters in Boston, Lowell and Manchester, NH.
What strategies have you used to successfully move members from learning about RWB to participating in events? What has failed in the past? Also, how does this information sharing happen between chapters and the central organization?
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LTC (Join to see)
Thanks for the question, Carlos! And great to hear that Team RWB has a great presence in the Boston area. It's always tough to go from "sign up to engage" because there is so much noise in the world today. In the information age, we are aware of so much more stuff going around us than ever before. I think the biggest key on that is personal, 1 on 1 interaction. If a chapter leader sends a text message or calls a veteran, 1:1, the chances of him or her coming out to an event goes way up.
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LTC (Join to see)
I think the biggest struggle has been managing the growth. After a slow start in 2010-2012, we have grown at over 30,000 members per year....and done that on a shoe-string budget. Balancing growth is always hard, but especially in a non-profit organization. We share information via social media (Facebook groups), but most importantly, in planning sessions that occur several times per year----and that are on-going throughout the month.
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LTC (Join to see): Lieutenant Colonel: IT IS A GREAT HONOR TO HAVE YOU HERE WITH US ON RALLY POINT!
No questions, Sir; just nice to have you with us!
-With My Very Best Regards to You, Sir-
Margaret C. Higgins U.S. Army Retired
No questions, Sir; just nice to have you with us!
-With My Very Best Regards to You, Sir-
Margaret C. Higgins U.S. Army Retired
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LTC (Join to see)
Thanks so much for your note and I really appreciate it. I served in the First Cav and then 3rd Special Forces Group as an intel officer. Where did you serve in the Army?
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SPC Margaret Higgins
LTC (Join to see) - I served in Germany; during The Cold War, Sir. AND, I CANNOT THANK YOU ENOUGH, LIEUTENANT COLONEL, FOR YOUR RESPONDING TO ME!
-With My Very Best Regards for you,
Margaret C. Higgins U.S. Army Retired: Coach/Photographer
-With My Very Best Regards for you,
Margaret C. Higgins U.S. Army Retired: Coach/Photographer
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LTC (Join to see)
Great question, brother Bill! There are SO many reasons for Team RWB's success over the past 7 years, but at the end of the day it boils down to one word: PEOPLE. We built a great strategy, a strong brand, we established a strong social media footprint....but ultimately, it was all about the right people who stepped up to lead, from the Board, to the full time staff to the thousands of volunteer leaders at the community level. That is definitely the answer to your question.
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Sir I have never heard of team RWB can tell me what it is you guys do and if so how does one become a memeber?
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LTC (Join to see)
Fired up! Please go to http://www.TeamRWB.org and click on "Join the team." It's free to join and it only costs the $5 shipping fee to receive a high quality Nike-made dri-fit Team RWB shirt. Our mission is to enrich the lives of America's veterans by connecting them to people in their community through physical & social activity.
Team RWB’s mission is to enrich the lives of America’s veterans by connecting them to their community through physical and social activity.
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LTC (Join to see)
thanks so much! I appreciate it and hope you check out both Team RWB and The Positivity Project (http://www.PosProject.org) when you have some time
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LTC (Join to see) Glad to see you here on RallyPoint Mike and look forward to your Q&A Session.
Mike I'd like to know what inspired you to focus on The Positivity Project? Is that a Non-Profit Organization or For Profit?
Mike I'd like to know what inspired you to focus on The Positivity Project? Is that a Non-Profit Organization or For Profit?
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SFC William Farrell
COL Mikel J. Burroughs For once I can answer one of your questions Mikel! The Positivity Project is a national 501c3 nonprofit organization. Being a nonprofit means that no one “owns” The Positivity Project. A Board of Directors governs our operations and the revenue we generate is directed towards achieving our mission.
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LTC (Join to see)
Dr. Chris Peterson and Other People Matter
#OtherPeopleMatter is our motto, hashtag, and the spirit of the movement we are building. It originated with Dr. Chris Peterson, one of the founders of posit...
SFC Farrell is spot on, COL! Dr. Chris Peterson, my academic advisor inspired me to co-found the Positivity Project. I hope you check out this short video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEc2W8JVuRw
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Sir, I have not heard of your program before. Being an educator myself, I am curious to learn more about it. As an example, what age group does it target? How does a school come about participate in your program? And finally, if the school does not wish to participate, can a teacher still become active in your program and how? I will look forward to your live stream, and thanks for all you do.
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LTC (Join to see)
So awesome to hear from you, Bob! Where are you an educator these days? The Positivity Project (P2 for short) is now partnered with 170 schools in 18 different states. Most of our growth has been in NY, MI, VA and NC. I hope you look into it more at http://www.PosProject.org
We work primarily with K-8 schools, but are piloting it in high schools this year (8 of them). Our mission is to empower students to build strong relationships---and they learn how to do this through explicit, 10-minutes per day instruction from their teacher about the "character strength of the week." There are 24 character strength and we have built a calendar that starts in mid-Sept and ends in early May. If you have a chance, please check out this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEc2W8JVuRw And email me at [login to see] . Fired up!
We work primarily with K-8 schools, but are piloting it in high schools this year (8 of them). Our mission is to empower students to build strong relationships---and they learn how to do this through explicit, 10-minutes per day instruction from their teacher about the "character strength of the week." There are 24 character strength and we have built a calendar that starts in mid-Sept and ends in early May. If you have a chance, please check out this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEc2W8JVuRw And email me at [login to see] . Fired up!
The Positivity Project - Empowering Students to Build Strong Relationships
The Positivity Project empowers America's youth to build strong relationships by seeing the character strengths in themselves and others. #OtherPeopleMatter
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No questions, LTC (Join to see). I simply wish to thank you for your service as a soldier and your continued personal service helping veterans and educators.
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LTC (Join to see)
I really appreciate it, Stephen, and hope that you consider joining Team RWB, we'd love to have you on board! http://www.TeamRWB.org
Team RWB’s mission is to enrich the lives of America’s veterans by connecting them to their community through physical and social activity.
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