1) Empathy / Compassion - a deep understanding of their connection with other people and this planet. 2) Self-Confidence - the freedom to pursue their passions and question convention & norms. 3) Perseverance - the inner-resolve to finish what they start, especially when things get tough.

This is a tough question restricting it to just 3, but I think these are my top ones. I'm sure I'll see something later and think - Ah yes, of course!

What are your top 3?

Thank you Tamara for beginning this conversation. I taught Early Childhood Education ffor 8 years for exactly the same reason: empowering children# to develop critical thinking skills, be able to recognize injustice and stand up for injustice. Young children know the words, "But thats not fair!" already. They have a natural disposition to activism. Here is one excellent resource for parents# and teachers#: http://www.amazon.com/Thats-Not-Fair-Teachers-Activism/dp/1884834744/ref=la_B001JP1KHC_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1351725409&sr=1-2

I worked with Ann and Fran and they are exceptional teachers. I could seriously talk all day on this subject! Wish I could but have to get back to work. :)

Three most important values: 1) Love who you are: be proud of your ethnic/racial identity#. If you are white, find a way to understand your identity, your history, your ancestry. 2) Wonder: Be curious! Ask questions that provoke more questions. Never stop learning. 3) Community# and Collective_Responsiblity#: You are not here to take. You are here to give. Be apart of your community, whether that be your city or the world, see the relationship of how you live and how others live. Travel within your own city or the world at large to be outside your comfort zone. If that means you live in a predominately white neighborhood, make sure you take your kids to a park where they can make friends of diverse language and ethnic backgrounds. So much starts AT HOME.

Ok...one more: 4) Fail! Yes, failure is key. :) Do not fear failure. Be free to fail. It liberates the spirit. It is a normal human condition. Be compassionate to yourself when it happens.

Hi Tamara, did you post your message 5 times or am I even more short sighted than I thought I was? :) Someone told me to meet with you, coz we share a love for reading David Baldacci?

hi guys