Val Hilliker

Link to The Heart of the Matter tips for parents.An Alberta Education publication

Val Hilliker — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 16:59:07 +0000

http://www.education.gov.ab.ca/charactered/PDF/BullPrevTipsParents.pdf

You can download the entire book at

http://www.education.gov.ab.ca/charactered/

Best antidote to Bullying in Schools~Val Hilliker Comedy Ventriloquist

Val and her puppets touch your hearts; they activate your hands and voice to commit acts of kindness and compassion. This program motivates your students to think for themselves and make the right choices.

Val Hilliker Comedy Ventriloquist
Virtues Project Master Facilitator
World Laughter Leader
Puppet Creator
Val@valhilliker.com
Land line 403-843-3663
Toll free 1-855-I Talk 42
http://www.valhilliker.com

Camp Courage with Val the Virtues Ventriloquist

Val Hilliker — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 16:17:48 +0000

Pre-School to Grade 1
FUN, insightful and educational
fifty minute interactive presentation.
A life journey about a caterpillar who needs
to call on the courage he needs to become
the butterfly that he was meant to be!
He learns that he has courage to try
new wonderful things.
The virtues that we are packing for this
camp-out will be kindness, courage,
courtesy, helpfulness and joyfulness.

Watch as Val’s mesmerizing puppets keep your children spellbound. The most common question at the end of this show is,” are those puppets real?” Val’s response, “Absolutely.”

Walk the Talk with Val the Virtues Ventriloquist

Val Hilliker — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 16:08:27 +0000

Walk the Talk

School shows with the “Chillin ideas!” and “Chill
Skills,”
• These are the tools to get along peacefully.
• These shows fit into the social, health and life skills
curriculum for preschool to grade 12.

Watch as Pedro the perot and Lilli the frog who always wears her duck costume teach its what’s on the inside that counts.

Free Chilli with Val the Virtues Ventriloquist

Val Hilliker — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 16:04:12 +0000

Free Chilli ~ A show for the whole family available
for the evening of the school show. This is to make
the same language skills available to parents and
siblings.

Call to find out more, toll free at 1 855 I Talk 42

1 855-482-5542

Feel free to combine this with an evening of potluck Chilli to
share with the teachers and families.

Choices a show for grade 8-12

Val Hilliker — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 16:01:02 +0000

Curriculum based learning Grade 8-12 Choices

Teens face many choices, the ultimate question”will you be a follower or a leader”.

Choices may feel good in the moment but may not be the wisest choice for the long run.

Learn to be a leader and not a follower. Teens learn who they really are and are called to their highest values their virtues.

Teens are given the tools so they can think for themselves and make the right decisions.

I am in Awe. I have never seen a better Ventriloquist in my whole life! Thank you for addressing such an important subject. Every school in the world should see this awesome presentation. “

Janice L Clark, Glenwood Alberta
Thank you.

An excellent source for the Virtues Project training from another Master facilitator

Val Hilliker — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:46:51 +0000

I love her post on the virtue of Tact

http://virtuestraining.com/virtue/Tact

Betsy Lydle Smith • (425) 753-6498

Betsy is offering a world wide webinar, what an excellent idea

Here is the information

Worldwide Webinar: Introduction to The Virtues Project: Awakening the Gifts of Character

LOCATION: In the comfort of your own home, by phone and computer.

DATES: 5 Tuesdays, Jan 10-Feb. 7

TIME: 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM Pacific time.

Virtues Project Master Facilitators: Heather Acres and Betsy Lydle Smith

laughter is the best medicine

Val Hilliker — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 21:34:18 +0000

Since listening to laughter has the same health benefits as actually laughing, this video could be used as your daily dose. For the sake of your body, mind and spirit, be sure to listen and laugh out loud every chance you get!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBswEM9TfBQ

helpful link for parents in Ontario schools

Val Hilliker — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 18:28:32 +0000

http://www.bwdsb.on.ca/parents/bullying_for_parents.pdf

Our philosophy behind our shows!

Val Hilliker — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 15:14:55 +0000

TELL ME AND I WILL FORGET
SHOW ME AND I WILL REMEMBER
INVOLVE ME AND I WILL UNDERSTAND

Walk the Talk ~ 2012

Val Hilliker — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 00:25:25 +0000

Val’s new show “Walk the Talk” is about choices. Many schools use the tools gained in Val’s shows as an approach to problem solving and conflict resolution. Her shows are both engaging and encouraging. They are thoroughly entertaining and humorous.
“I feel empowered” Joice Wieb , teacher Prince George
Middle school Centerville NB “I was very pleased at the relevance and age -appropriateness for our middle school performance. The chill skills will become part of our conflict resolution.” We will be teaching our staff the “Spirit behind the action” Emily Derrah-Sulliva
Here is a link to “The Spirit behind the action”
http://valhilliker.com/virtues-project.htm
Call now to book your “Walk the Talk” show
1 855 I Talk 42 1 855- 482-5542
Val Hilliker is a Virtues Project Master Facilitator and a World Laughter Leader
She weaves her side splitting, clean family orientated humor between teachable moments, making her message unforgettable. You won’t be disappointed.
www.valhilliker.com
val@valhilliker.com
Have trunk will travel. (Canada, that is!)

Cope by C.H.I.L.L.I.N., ventriloquist teaches~Val Hillikier Comedy Ventriloquist

Val Hilliker — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 18:50:23 +0000

Ventriloquist Val Hilliker and her puppet, Lily the duck, talk to the audience. Lily insists she is a frog. Ann Harvey | Mayerthorpe Freelancer
Cope by C.H.I.L.L.I.N., ventriloquist teaches
By Ann Harvey, Associate Editor Mayerthorpe Freelancer
Ventriloquist Val Hilliker builds character and teaches how to cope with meanness in daily life using C.H.I.L.L. and C.H.I.L.L.I.N. wrapped in the virtues program.
The letters of the words represent the choices for responses to meanness with the shorter word used for the younger children and the longer word used for those who are in grades 4 to 6.
Before entertaining the grades 4 to 6 student in the second of two shows at Elmer Elson Elementary School for two shows on the morning of Thursday, Nov. 24, the 52-year-old mother of five said she has been a ventriloquist for many years.
When she was 18 years old she was shelving books for teachers during the Christmas holidays. “I ran into this book teaching how to be a ventriloquist.”
She studied and began performing. Motherhood intervened and then 10 years ago she got back into it after having cancer in her throat.
Hilliker is also certified in the Virtues Project, a global grassroots initiative to inspire the practice of virtues of kindness, justice and integrity in everyday life.
A goal of the Virtues Project is to empower individuals to live more authentic meaningful lives, families to raise children of compassion and integrity, teachers to create safe, caring, and high-performing learning communities, and leaders to encourage excellence and ethics in the work place.
Hilliker teaches motivational lessons with gentle comedy, going from direct speech to letting her puppets tell the story. And, she’s isn’t on a high platform above her youthful audience.
In the final minutes of her show she told them she spent many years not engaging with people, looking at the floor. “I looked at the floor all day, every day.”
She never looked at people. “You need to do that.”
The ventriloquist said, “I was an angry mother. I grew up with a headache basically every day of my life until I was 42, until my daughter, who was 24, told me: ‘You need to learn how to chill.’”
That lesson was transformed into C.H.I.L.L., a way of dealing with criticism and unkindness.
The letters of the word give choices for responses.
Chilling is stepping back, relaxing. If someone is nasty to you, “you don’t have to decide to do something right away. You can decide to wait.”
“You can use humour. Make a joke.”
Ignore it. “Ignoring is just not doing anything. Don’t roll your eyes. Don’t sigh.”
Look up. “It’s about being assertive, standing tall, looking people in the eyes.
“The words (that go with this) are: ‘Stop that. I deserve respect.’”
It’s yours. “Own what you’re being bugged about. Step back and use detachment.”

Testimonial

Val Hilliker — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 17:40:00 +0000

“Val Hillker’s show was extraordinary! Her humanitarian message of kindness, love and understanding was one these children will carry throughout their lives. Val is so dedicated to her work and cares so much for the children of tomorrow. She is indeed a wonderful ventriloquist & a great talent. I highly recommend her.”

Riaz Manji
Intuitive Counsellor & Author
Stepping Stone Healing

Donna Wheatcroft Virtues Project Master Facilitator

Val Hilliker — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 16:11:16 +0000

“To effect the quality of the day, that is the highest of arts.” - Thoreau For all of us I offer a challenge to “…effect the quality of [your] day…” by using one of the strategies of The Virtues Project (the language of the virtues) to recognize and acknowledge the good you see in others. You CAN create a positive climate in your home, school, workplace and community organization. Give it a go! You will be pleasantly surprised at the reactions from the recipients of your recognition and acknowledgment. Also, you may notice: “The fragrance always stays in the hand that gives the rose.”– Anonymous

“If you fill a home, a school, or a workplace with words such as lazy, stupid and bad that is the behaviour which follows, but if you use words such as courage, helpfulness, and flexibility, you are empowering those behaviours, whether in a child, an employee or a friend.” Linda Kavelin Popov, Author and Founder of the Virtues Project

HOW TO DO A VIRTUES ACKNOWLEDGMENT: After you use the person’s name, there are three parts to an acknowledgment. You say: a stem or opening phrase (I acknowledge you for your…, I saw your …, you showed…, you used…,) a virtue (focus on one main virtue) and how the virtue is being shown (give as much detail as possible on how you see it being used in the present moment).

Examples:

Harold, it was / kind / of you to pick up mother and take her shopping.

Emma, you were really / patient / to wait for everyone to gather their information for the report.

Beth, I see your / generosity / when you give of your time to work at the food bank twice a week.

Greg, I honor you for your / reliability / in managing our work schedule for everyone’s benefit.

3. Do a random virtues pick anytime at http://www.virtuesproject.com/homepage.html or http://www.virtuesproject.com/education.html You can take the virtue that comes up for you into your day, or it just may be the one that you need to help support you in your current situation.

You will find that any home, school, community organization, or workplace that is well-run, and is a success has at its foundation virtues and the five strategies. At www.virtuesproject.com find lists of the virtues, their definitions, and the five strategies for using them.

Learn More - Register now for the next VIRTUES WORKSHOPS IN CALGARY:

- Introductory workshop - November 14 & 15

- Facilitator Programme - November 16 - 18

FOR DETAILS VISIT http://www.virtuesproject.com/bydate.html,

phone 403-282-1343, or reply to this email heartswork@shaw.ca

Testimonial

Val Hilliker — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 15:31:31 +0000

Val is an extraordinary ventriloquist. She has a unique way of engaging her audience, of all ages and cultures. The messages she conveys through her “dummies” are hard-hitting, which move her audiences to becoming introspective, and as a result making positive adjustments to their character. I unreservedly recommend Val as someone who would bring positive results to your event.
Ralph Peters
President, CLIMB Intercultural Society

Testimonial from Prince George

Val Hilliker — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 16:02:44 +0000

This is an excellent and engaging presentation, I feel empowered. The most helpful part of the show was when the students learned that they are responsible for themselves.

Joyce Wiebe, College Heights Prince George

Testimonial from Virtues Project co-founder Dr. Dan Popov

Val Hilliker — Sat, 20 Aug 2011 04:29:39 +0000

It is an honour and privilege to acknowledge the mastery of Val Hilliker, Comedy Ventriloquist who along with Kelly Bundt brings sincerity, compassion and delight to everyone they meet.

Val’s puppets are creative and delightful and the lessons they teach surprise and empower. As a Ventriloquist, Val is without peer! As a Child Clinical Psychologist, I have seen many children’s shows and Val’s is the first one I have seen where you forget her creations are just cloth – she brings them alive and gives them a personality and character so well developed that you can forget she’s there.

The shows Val Hilliker, Comedy Ventriloquist,have developed with Kelly Bundt, are wonderful. They are spontaneous, involving and funny. If this was all they were I would still recommend them highly. They are, however, so much more. As a Co-Founder of The Virtues Project™, I have seen their ability to empower, educate as well as delight. They teach lessons and develop character – they show children (and adults) in the audience what really matters. They engage children and help them remember who they truly are.

Val Hilliker along with Kelly Bundt brings excellence (and charm and joy) to everything they do. It is a pleasure to recommend them to you.

Dan Popov, Ph.D.

Co-Founder, The Virtues Project™

Change the world one school at a time!

Val Hilliker — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 17:09:18 +0000

Here is a quote from Kristina Koncz

Maybe you can’t change the whole world, but if you have love in your heart you can make small differences every day, which really does change the world, one life at a time.

Val Hilliker Comedy Ventriloquist

I find this so fitting The Virtues Project and my shows. Accentuate the positive in people and that will bring out the best in their human nature.Looking forward to another awesome year in Canadian Communities.

Recent testimonial Halifax NB June 2011

Val Hilliker — Sat, 09 Jul 2011 15:57:43 +0000

It was awesome to see your recent performance at the Unity in Harmony Conference in Halifax N.S. The impact of your show is still imprinted in my memory a very effective and fun way to reach/teach people. Your enthusiasm and creativity will be a contribution to all who have the opportunity to experience your presentation. Keep up the great work!!

Joanie Beaubien Facilatator at Virtues Connection Montreal

A Story about Trust, gentleness and enthusiasm

Val Hilliker — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 13:33:59 +0000

In one of my one hour shows for K-3 in Glendon Alberta there was an autistic child who was new to the school. He had a teachers aid assigned to him and was at the front of the audience. I asked for a volunteer to show gentleness believing that anyone in the audience could do that and trusting in the call to gentleness would bring the desired affect. The chore was to high five my Winnie the Pooh puppet with gentleness as the arm of the puppet contained my pinkie finger and I would not be able to puppet without my pinkie finger. I had to trust the Virtue words in that the words are enough. When I asked for a volunteer this boys hand shot up, all I knew was that this child was very energetic and really wanted to volunteer, I did not know how his high level of enthusiasm would relate to his gentleness. I asked him to use his gentleness without much enthusiasm to high five the puppet. This boy thought and thought about how he would accomplish the task until he finally came up with an air high five, much to the delight of his teachers. The teachers were sweating bullets as I asked him for gentleness without much enthusiasm, they feared for my finger. All was well with the child and my finger and the teachers. The teachers spoke with me after the show and explained about this boy’s autism and how he needed to know how to be gentle and they now had this teachable moment to guide them.

Trusting that these virtue words are enough is what I was relying on and they are enough.

Val Hilliker Comedy Ventriloquist

Virtues Project Master Facilitator

and World Laughter Leader

How meaningful is The Virtues Project on a personal level.

Val Hilliker — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 14:43:00 +0000

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qf2H4BN_0X8&feature=share

The Virtues Project was presented at the Olean Common Council Meeting on 6/14/2011 by Ms. Matejka’s 5th grade class at Washington West . The mayor and several other local officials attended.

Ms. Matejka is the first to implement The Virtues Project in an Olean school district. These 5th graders have developed a personal sense of accountability and excellence that has clearly transformed their lives.

Note: I recorded this with my cell phone and did the best I could to edit out the parts where the audio was unclear. Our local TV station was also filming at the time and I am hoping to get my hands on the footage to develop a video that properly honors this group of world changers.

This video is from

* Christina Lopez, Owner
Boundless Connections, LLC*
*www.boundlessconnections.org*