First started 19 years ago by Sir John Templeton, the goal of the “Laws of Life” program is to give young people around the world a forum to write personal essays about questions in their lives that relate to character, value, and purpose. Arthur Schwartz, the Foundation’s executive vice president says, “Sir John wants young students to be asked, in a very focused, intentional way, ‘What are the core values they can use to guide them wherever they go and whatever they do in life?’ This essay contest gives them an opportunity to reflect on those values in an important way.”

he sayings and maxims that are at the heart of the “Laws of Life” program are not new, but rather represent enduring virtues that have a long tradition of guiding people’s lives throughout history. “The concept of thrift or generosity can mean the same thing in this country as it means in Iran,” says Schwartz. “We’re asking young people to think about these timeless ideas in a modern context.” As part of supporting the “Laws of Life” program, the Foundation supplies materials, guidelines and information to participants interested in starting a contest in their community. Over the past school year, more than 350,000 young people in more than 50 countries wrote “Laws of Life” essays.

In order to expand the scope of the “Laws of Life” essay contest, the Foundation has created strategic partnerships with other dynamic organizations to reach new audiences and constituencies. Following are three partner organizations the Foundation is working with to spread the “Laws of Life” philosophy around the world.
www.lawsoflife.org

JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT WORLDWIDE
Supported by a $1 million grant, Junior Achievement Worldwide is using, the “Laws of Life” essay contest as an important component in its new “Careers with a Purpose” program. The new curriculum will enhance the decision-making abilities of youth worldwide. Of special emphasis for this grant is getting young people to recognize that having a successful career, and feeling a sense of purpose in their lives are not mutually exclusive. “We want young people to feel like being involved with a business. Whether it’s starting a business or working for one, it is all about serving a larger purpose,” says Schwartz.

In order to get young people thinking on this level, students will reflect on a chosen life “maxim” to which they are committed as they make important life decisions. The intention behind this program is to help students identify life values and issues about which they are particularly passionate. That way they will make personally satisfying and rewarding decisions about civic engagement and career choices in the years ahead. Junior Achievement’s goal with this grant is to enroll 100,000 high school students in the United States, as well as another 100,000 students in a non-U.S. Junior Achievement Member of Nations.
www.ja.org