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NFL & United Way Blog

Carolina Panthers - United Way of Central Carolinas 2017 Character Playbook Live

Panthers And United Way Host Playbook LIVE Event - Brevard, NC

Source: The Transylvania Times

Carolina Panthers' alum Chris Draft and United Way of Transylvania County will host a new virtual classroom experience called Character Playbook LIVE on Wednesday, Oct. 11, at Brevard Middle School and Brevard Academy.

During the event, Draft virtually joined students in their classroom and connected lessons taught in Character Playbook modules to life inside and outside of football. Students engaged with Draft in a question and answer session.

Seventh grade students at Brevard Middle School and sixth grade students at BrevardAcademy are participating in the Character Playbook six-week personal development program. The digital, interactive curriculum focuses on healthy relationships and making good decisions.

"The ongoing Character Playbook program coaches students on reducing stress and diffusing conflict in a fun, interactive way. United Way of Transylvania County is grateful to the NFL, Carolina Panthers and EVERFI for their partnership in bringing this program to our community," said United Way of Transylvania County board member Cathy Strassner.

The data around social emotional learning indicates a growing need in classrooms. The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning found that students who participated in social and emotional learning programs saw an 11 percentile point gain in achievement in social and emotional skills, attitudes, behavior and academic performance.

Character Playbook addresses these issues head on and supports students in building the skills they need to be successful contributors to their communities.

The following results were seen nationally by the end of the program's first year:

•73 percent of students were more likely to believe they deserve to be treated with respect

•70 percent raised their expectations about how to treat others

•68 percent said the program helped them identify actions they can take to treat people with respect

•64 percent better defined the role they can play in resolving conflict.

"We are pleased with the positive strides Character Playbook has made on students' understanding of these critical topics and look forward to expanding its impact," said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.

"Character Playbook is a program for all students, athletes and non-athletes alike, and addresses values we prioritize as a league. EVERFI and United Way, our nonprofit partner for over 40 years, have been instrumental throughout this process and understand the importance of educating students on these issues in an accessible and interactive way," Goodell added.

"Good character is a critical building block of strong individuals and strong communities," said president and CEO of United Way Worldwide Brian Gallagher.

"By helping young people develop and recognize healthy relationships, Character Playbook is providing our next generation with the tools to succeed. It's another great example of how the NFL and United Way are combining the love of team with a deep commitment to community to make a difference," Gallagher said.