Friends for a Lifetime (Ongoing Class)

1.	Reframe “friendship” using the 4 Lessons from McGinnis’ book, Friendship Factor.
2.	See the significance of being “Lovable” on important relationships, our sense of self value, and making a change in our culture.
3.	Learn lessons surrounding healthy vulnerability in building great friendships.
4.	Discover valuable lessons about empathy in friendships: the need to be RIGHT, the ugly “blame and defend” habits, learning to address tough issues with objectivity.
5.	Navigating with an understanding between “safe” vs “unsafe” people as friends.
6.	Apply practical lessons from class into personal friendship development.

I’ve worked professionally and as a volunteer pastoral counselor for almost 40 years. This has been formal as well as informal in the nonprofit sector and includes many years specifically working with students from 10-25 years old. I’ve helped unwind many troubling situations youth face today as well as seeing many flourish with some helpful instruction. 

This class comes from my concern about seeing what has developed in our culture for young people today. It’s far harder, more complicated, and includes statistics that are sad with alarming suicide rates. One of the problems I see is that help is provided several years beyond when kids need help. The resources are not nearly available enough for most teens today. I’ve picked significant books on essential aspects that I’ll simplify and summarize in our classes and make them beneficial and relevant for our discussions.

We will focus on a Student Project together with the following.

1.	Make a list of 10 important friendship character values.
2.	Identify your top 3 friendship character values.
3.	If your personal friendship needs go unmet – what will be the consequences. List and describe 5 things.
4.	Compile a list of people you know that demonstrate your “top 3 character values.”
5.	What obstacles (may) stand in your way? What’s your plan for maneuvering?
6.	Brainstorm a list of creative ways to build your friendships with lasting memories.
7.	How might this approach go from seeds of a concept, root, grow small, and potentially become significant around you?

45 minutes per week in class, and an estimated 0 - 1 hours per week outside of class.

4 Texts (Suggested but not required - I will summarize these in class)
1.	Friendship Factor, Alan Loy McGinnis
2.	Dare Greatly, Brené Brown
3.	The Power of Empathy, A. R. Bob Maslow
4.	Safe People: How to Find Relationships That Are Good for You and Avoid Those That Aren't, Cloud and Townsend