Nic Foundation Inc

Programs: The nic foundation sponsors "stopping crime and violence in our rural communities" free public awareness event each april as part of national crime victim's rights week. The awareness event includes a free information fair where the public may gather informational materials and resources about crime prevention, safety, victim rights, character education, family unity and available services in the counties of waupaca and shawano. A candle lighting ceremony features keynote speakers, victim stories and statements, a choral tribute, words of peace and the lighting of candles for all victims of crime and violence. Children and youth prepare "wishing dust and "votive candles" with a message about stopping crime and violence. These are distributed free to patrons at public facilities and area businesses. Families attending the event receive a free parenting/family book of choice on raising children.

nic violence prevention for kids (nicvp4kids): this project is an integrated character education program for community children ranging in age/grades from the early childhood level to the middle school level. The purpose of the program is to provide a safe, non-threatening learning environment where positive character traits and values are integrated into a fine arts/humanities curriculum. Character education is the basis for the project. The goal is to help children develop and enhance core ethical values through their studies in the art of music, art, movement and dance, theatre, foreign language, reading and writing. The teaching of positive character traits and values is integrated into course work through the curriculum by modeling, guided practice, and practical application. Children develop and build strong personal skills in getting along with others. All programs are tied to state academic standards. The standards contain stated expectations for children to accomplish at various grade levels through a variety of class work. The nic educational consultant collaboratively works with classroom teachers, school counselors and administrators in determining which positive character traits and values will be addressed. Together as a team, a plan is developed including expectations, goals, timeline, content, resources and assessment pieces. The nicvp4kids program initiatives may be infused into after hour programs such as super saturday exploration days or into the existing classroom curriculum. The program is adapted to the needs and expectations of the collaborative team. Learning is a partnership between family, school and community. As part of service learning, children share their new learning experiences with the community through a variety of ways. Their class may choose to create a bulletin board display at a bank, create books for children to read at the doctor and dental offices, design posters for area businesses, post a gallery show at a public building such as the library or participate in a performance at the senior center. As part of service learning, children are encouraged to give back to their communities.

nic violence prevention for families (nicvp4families): this project is an integrated character education program designed especially for the needs of families. The purpose of nicvp4families is to provide information, resources and learning tools to families in helping them to raise children who portray positive character traits and values. The nicvp4families initiatives include the following: recommended resource books on raising children of good character, recommended literature selections to read and share with children, a special "parent/family" section on the nic foundation website at www. Nicfoundation. Org, special community presentation on "stopping crime and violence", presenting information at conferences, conventions, rallies and meetings, teaming with public libraries in providing family programs.

the nic foundation hosts the "building character through art" contest for all k-12 students residing in northeastern wisconsin. The contest opens december 1st each year and closes in mid february. Students draw, illustrate, paint and/or design their artwork in one of the eight categories based on character traits and values. In addition to showing that character trait or value, students write a breif narrative describing their piece of artwork. A panel of judges choose winning artwork in each of the eight divisions. The winning pieces of artwork become part of a traveling gallery art show featured throughout northeastern wisconsin, sending a clear and powerful message about stopping crime and violence by showing our own positive character traits and values.