Announcing the Weekly Compass!
Helping You Build Strong Values
Have you ever found yourself wanting deeper conversations about the things that really matter—like kindness, respect, or courage—but not quite knowing where to start? Maybe you’re juggling family dinners, homework sessions, or back-to-back Zoom calls and feel like genuine “values time” slips through the cracks. Well, I can guarantee that you’re not alone. In the whirlwind of busy schedules and the grind of never-ending to-do lists, we need a simple, structured way to bring meaningful dialogue into our daily lives.
These days, it can also feel like the whole world is on edge. News cycles churn with stories of political unrest and social challenges, leaving us longing for a grounding force we can rely on. That’s where our new resource, the Weekly Compass, comes in. Designed to help people—of all ages—build strong moral foundations, this weekly guide focuses on one key value at a time. Think of it as a steady rudder in uncertain waters, ensuring that no matter what’s happening around us, we never lose our way—never lose sight of the principles that define who we are.
TL;DR
What: The Weekly Compass is a brief, once-a-week guide on a single core value—think of it as a mini “lesson plan” for personal growth.
Who: Perfect for families, students, and adults alike, with tailored discussion questions for each age group.
How to Start: Simply subscribe, receive a weekly email, and set aside a little time to talk and take action on the featured value. It’s that easy.
What Is the Weekly Compass?
In simplest terms, the Weekly Compass is a once-a-week “lesson plan” that spotlights a single core value—things like courage, respect, or empathy—and breaks it down into easy-to-follow steps for reflection, discussion, and real-world application.
I created it because life can feel chaotic and overwhelming, especially when the news cycle or personal challenges make it hard to stay grounded in what truly matters. The goal of the Weekly Compass is to help individuals, families, and groups focus on practical actions and honest conversations. When you take the time to explore those values with others, they become part of everyday life rather than something we just talk about.
How It Works (In a Nutshell): Each issue centers on a short reflection about the week’s value, followed by discussion questions tailored for different age groups (from kids to college students to adults), and a simple “take action” step—like a small challenge or exercise you can do to put that value into practice. It’s a straightforward way to ensure that at least once a week, you’re making time for what truly counts.
Who Is It For?
Families with Children: Whether you’re guiding preschoolers who need simple words or older kids wanting to explore more complex topics, the Weekly Compass provides age-appropriate questions and easy activities everyone can enjoy. It turns family time—like a cozy dinner or car ride—into a fun, meaningful conversation about real-life values, creating stronger bonds and a sense of shared purpose.
College Students: If you’re on campus—or connecting virtually—you know life is full of late-night debates, new social circles, and opportunities to shape your identity. The Weekly Compass helps you engage peers in deeper dialogue, sparking discussions about ethics, social justice, and personal growth. Think of it as a ready-made framework for club meetings, dorm hangouts, or study breaks that go beyond the usual chitchat.
Adults of All Ages: From young professionals to retirees, the Weekly Compass can be a grounding weekly ritual. Use it to reflect on workplace dilemmas, spark meaningful exchanges with friends, or even initiate community projects. Because it’s flexible, you can adapt the content to almost any setting—making it an excellent tool for personal development or larger group engagement.
The Weekly Compass Structure
I’ve purposely kept the approach straightforward so you’ll know exactly what to expect each week. Although I encourage parents and discussion leaders to review each issue of the Weekly Compass ahead of time, that’s not even necessary. Just pull up the issue on your preferred electronic device and follow the instructions!
Here’s how each issue is organized:
Brief Reflection
Every session begins with a short write-up that introduces the value of the week. Think of it as a friendly warm-up that sets the tone and invites everyone—no matter their age—to reflect on why this value matters right now. By starting with a simple overview, we ensure that everyone’s on the same page before diving into deeper conversation.Discussion Questions
This section is divided into three sets of questions: one for younger children, one for teens or college students, and one for adults. I know a 6-year-old and a college sophomore don’t ask the same questions about life, so I’ve tailored the prompts accordingly. You can pick and choose which questions best fit your group, or mix and match if you’ve got a multi-generational crowd.Action Step (Challenge)
Talking about a value is one thing; actually putting it into practice is where the magic happens. Each Weekly Compass wraps up with a simple, do-able challenge—like offering a helping hand or stepping out of your comfort zone in a small but meaningful way. This turns the weekly reflection into real-world impact.Closing Thoughts or Quotes
Finally, I provide a short, uplifting note—often a memorable quote or key takeaway—to leave everyone on a positive, motivated note. It’s a gentle reminder to keep the value in mind as you head into the rest of your week.
Example in Action
Let’s say the Weekly Compass theme for the week is Courage. You might start by reading a quick reflection on what it means to act bravely even when you’re nervous, then pose a few age-appropriate questions—perhaps asking younger kids about a time they felt scared but did something anyway, while challenging teens to consider when they’ve spoken up for a classmate. You wrap up by picking one “brave moment” to attempt this week, whether that’s apologizing for a mistake or finally trying out for the school play.
It’s a simple, straight-forward process that anyone can lead. You don’t need to be an educator, facilitator, or public speaker—you just need to be able to read, follow basic instructions, and be encouraging so everyone is willing to participate.
And here’s why you can trust this process: I’ve spent over 35 years working with teens and young adults, designing and leading values-based programs in both educational and community settings. Now, I’m bringing that hard-won experience to the Weekly Compass to offer you a well-crafted, easy-to-use resource—one that will help you, your family, and friends build a more values-based life, one week at a time.
How to Get Started
Getting started with the Weekly Compass is as easy as 1-2-3.
Step 1: Simply subscribe to the CODA Project to receive each week’s lesson straight to your inbox.
Step 2: When the email arrives, carve out a little bit of time—maybe 15 minutes—for a quick read-through.
Step3: Finally, pick a convenient slot in your schedule to share the discussion with family, friends, or even just yourself if you’re doing this solo.
Tips for Success
Schedule a “Values Hour”: Choose the same day and time each week for your session. Consistency keeps everyone on the same page and looking forward to it.
Pair It with a Meal or Gathering: If you’re already sitting down to dinner, or hosting a study group or book club, simply add your Weekly Compass discussion to the agenda. It’s a simple way to keep important conversations at the forefront.
Optional Community Element
If you’d like to take things a step further, share your experiences on social media or in a group message with friends. Not only does this spark fresh insights, but it also builds a network of people who cheer each other on and share their own journeys—perfect for those looking to connect around deeper conversations and common values.
Remember that the Weekly Compass is a free resource, so don’t feel guilty sharing it with others. The generosity of paid subscribers supports the work I’m doing through the CODA Project, so you can help out by simply spreading the word.
Call to Action
Ready to explore a more values-focused life? Give the Weekly Compass a try, whether you’re diving in on your own or leading a group at home, in the dorm, or in the community. You’ll gain personal growth, strengthen family connections, and spark meaningful discussions that bring everyone closer together.
Subscribe now at theCODAproject.com to receive the Weekly Compass straight to your inbox each week. It’s a simple commitment with lasting rewards—so why wait? Let’s build a better, more values-based life, one week at a time.
Making time for a short, weekly check-in on the values that matter to you can lead to surprisingly big changes—both in your own mindset and in the relationships you cherish most. It’s like planting a tiny seed each week and watching it grow into something strong and meaningful over time.
I’d love to hear how the Weekly Compass fits into your life, so please feel free to share your thoughts, experiences, or suggestions. Your questions and feedback will help me shape this resource into something even more valuable for everyone.
Let’s keep the conversation going—and let’s keep growing together!