Sed Vitae Speaker Series

Deliberate Parenting: Raising Kids With Character

October 2, 7-8:30 p.m.

There are many forces in the world impacting our children today. Perhaps as parents our greatest responsibility to our children - and to our community -is to equip them to face those forces with character. In this interactive program, Joe Cavanaugh, Founder and CEO of Youth Frontiers, presents "Deliberate Parenting." Leveraging 30+ years of experience working with over 2 million youth, he shares strategies for raising kids who are strong, responsible and who know they are precious, not perfect - three traits essential to their resiliency and readiness to navigate the often bumpy road of life. Participants will leave feeling encouraged, equipped and challenged to do their part to ensure our next generation is grounded in character. 

Join us on October 2  from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Visitation School. Event is free and open to all - please share with your circle. Registration requested, not required, below. 

Joe Cavanaugh is a nationally-renowned speaker promoting timeless values and personal character to audiences of all ages. Whether it is at the Nobel Peace Prize Forum, a commencement speech at his alma mater, a conference with business leaders or in a room filled with 200 teenagers, Joe loves to be in front of a crowd sharing the message that character matters. His message is guided by the belief that character is the thread that will reweave the frayed fabric of our society. In 1987, Joe founded Youth Frontiers (YF), a Minnesota-based nonprofit organization that provides experiences that inspire character, civility and community. YF has impacted more than 2 million youth, educators, and community members and has received national acclaim because of its powerful programs. Joe also leads YF’s newest division, Leadership Frontiers, which focuses on inspiring character- driven leaders in all sectors.

Joe has been featured on local, regional and national media programs including a 90-minute PBS television special titled, “Respectfully, Joe Cavanaugh.” Additionally, he has been recognized by the late General Colin Powell of America’s Promise as being “a leader in our nation’s effort to rescue America’s young people.” Joe received his B.A. degree in Humanities from Saint John’s University in Collegeville, Minn., where he also was given an Honorary Doctorate in 2016. He was also named Social Entrepreneur of the Year by Saint John’s in 2012. Joe is a member of the Visitation Board of Trustees. Joe and his wife, Jane, live in Edina, Minnesota. Their daughter, Tess (Visitation '23), is attending the
College of Saint Benedict.

The Visitation School Sed Vitae Speaker Series features speakers who embody the school’s motto: Non Scholae, Sed Vitae: Not for School, but for Life. 

Questions? Please contact Cecilia Petschel, Director of Communications & Marketing.

Past Speakers

Cultivating Authentic Belonging
Danielle Harrison
Vis welcomed former VIs Trustee, Danielle Harrison, for an engaging discussion on how to foster an environment where your child can confidently embrace their authentic self at school and at home. At the core of Salesian Spirituality lies the belief in the inherent goodness of every individual. Ms. Harrison will discuss how instilling this belief in your child can create a foundation to authentically embrace their many gifts while also helping those around them feel valued and accepted. We explored how understanding and appreciating diverse perspectives aligns with the teachings of empathy, compassion and inherent dignity within our Catholic faith. 

Non Scholae, Sed Domum: Not for School but for Home
Father Joe Newman, OSFS
Vis welcomed Fr. Joe Newman, OSFS  an expert in Salesian Spirituality, on October 26 to share strategies for parents and guardians on extending Salesian Spirituality learnings from the classroom and into their homes and the real world. This event is FREE and open to all. Fr. Joe will share how the divine has reached him through his life, ministry and community. He will share the ways that Salesian Spirituality guides us to embrace the ordinary each day to grow in love of God, our self and others and how to bring that to life in our homes.

Parenting Girls Today
Beth Carver '00, MSW
Beth Carver, MSW. Beth will share wisdom and guidance for parents as they guide their daughters through adolescence. Offering insight and advice, she will discuss challenges facing girls today and how to best partner and empower our daughters. Finding balance between head and heart, the event will cover topics such as helping your daughter find the right school, navigate friendships and so much more.

Rosalind Wiseman
Rosalind Wiseman, a multiple New York Times bestselling author whose publications include Queen Bees and Wannabes: Helping Your Daughter Survive Cliques, Gossip, Boyfriends, and the New Realities of Girl World - which inspired the movie Mean Girls, is a thought leader who challenges us to understand the power of dignity and social dynamics to build courage, connection and community.