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The Psychology of Belonging: Why We Crave Connection
By Covenant of Courage | Group 7 Series ⸻ Introduction: More Than Just Fitting In Belonging isn’t just a want—it’s a human need . Whether it’s a team, a faith group, a family, or a movement like Group 7 , the desire to feel seen, valued, and accepted is deeply rooted in the human psyche. The need to belong is as essential as food or shelter . When people feel like they belong, their lives change. ⸻ The Science Behind Belonging Research in psychology has consistently shown tha
Kirk Carlson
Oct 282 min read


From Screen to Service: How Group 7 Leaders Step Up
In a digital age where much of life unfolds behind screens, Group 7 is flipping the script. What began as a viral trend has evolved into a powerful platform for action, purpose, and community leadership. At the heart of this movement are everyday leaders—young and old—who are trading passive scrolling for active service. From Hashtags to Hands-On Help While most social movements lose steam after the social media buzz dies down, Group 7 is different. The people drawn to this
Kirk Carlson
Oct 282 min read


How to Create Global Change Through Local Action
By Covenant of Courage | JLBC Cadet Corps | #ReasonableRanks Campaign ⸻ 🌎 Think Global. Act Local. The idea of “global change” often feels overwhelming—like something reserved for presidents, billionaires, or celebrity activists. But history has shown us time and time again: the most powerful movements are born in backyards, neighborhoods, and small-town community centers. You don’t need a megaphone. You need a mission. And that mission starts right where you are. ⸻ 🔥 Ste
Kirk Carlson
Oct 282 min read


From Meme to Movement: The Legacy You’ll Leave With Group 7
What starts as a joke often ends as a revolution—and Group 7 is living proof. At first, it was a meme. A trend. A digital whisper in the chaos of social media. But it didn’t stay that way. It grew—because Group 7 wasn’t just a moment, it was a message. And that message was clear: We are here. We are aware. And we are ready. ⸻ 🚨 What Is Group 7, Really? Group 7 represents more than a viral post or TikTok trend. It’s a code, a symbol, a call sign for a rising generation of l
Kirk Carlson
Oct 272 min read


Building Hope-Based Movements for a Divided World
Why Positivity, Purpose, and People Power Are the Future of Social Change In an era marked by division, fear, and burnout, it’s easy to assume that outrage is the only currency that moves people. But history—and emerging grassroots trends—tell a different story: movements built on hope, not hate , are the ones that endure, unify, and transform. ⸻ 🌎 The Problem: We’re Exhausted by Division Whether it’s politics, identity, or economics, today’s world can feel relentlessly pol
Kirk Carlson
Oct 272 min read


When You’re in Group 7 and Your Friend’s in Group 3 — Awkward!
By JLBC Cadet Corps & Covenant of Courage Building Strong Leaders, One Squad at a Time. ⸻ Let’s be honest — navigating friendships while leveling up your life can be… complicated. You joined Group 7 because you’re hungry for more. You’re focused on leadership, self-discipline, purpose, and resilience. You’re not afraid to sweat, learn, fail, try again, and take ownership. You’re waking up early, serving your community, training your body and mind, and stepping up as a leade
Kirk Carlson
Oct 262 min read


How Group 7 Became the Trend Brands Can’t Ignore
In late 2025, a TikTok user named Sophia James posted a series of videos and called the last one “Group 7.” It wasn’t tied to a brand or cause—just a creative experiment. But something unexpected happened: it went viral. Within days, people started identifying as part of “Group 7.” There were no rules, no requirements—just a feeling of belonging. And that simple idea caught the attention of major brands and social movements alike. What Made Group 7 So Powerful? 1. A Sense of
Kirk Carlson
Oct 262 min read


Building Bridges Between Generations of Leaders
By Covenant of Courage & JLBC Cadet Corps ⸻ 🏛️ Introduction: The Leadership Divide In today’s fast-changing world, generational gaps can feel like chasms—especially when it comes to leadership styles, communication, and values. Yet the strength of any nation, organization, or movement depends not on the dominance of one generation over another, but on the harmony and collaboration between them. At Covenant of Courage and JLBC Cadet Corps , we believe the future of leaders
Kirk Carlson
Oct 262 min read


How Veterans and Cadets Are Building America’s New Command Network
In an age of uncertainty, division, and digital overload, a quiet revolution is happening across America — one rooted in discipline, service, and community. Veterans and cadets, often overlooked in the civilian space, are joining forces to forge something bold: America’s New Command Network — a nationwide alliance of servant leaders, first responders, mentors, and emerging youth trained to respond to crisis, build resilience, and lead with honor. The Legacy of Service, Reima
Kirk Carlson
Oct 253 min read


Building Trust in a Distrustful World
In an age of misinformation, division, and digital noise, trust has become one of the rarest and most valuable currencies. Whether in politics, media, education, or our own communities, people are skeptical—of leaders, of institutions, and sometimes even of each other. And while technology has made us more connected than ever, it has also made us more cautious, more fragmented, and often more alone. So how do we build trust in a world where it’s easier to assume the worst? St
Kirk Carlson
Oct 243 min read


Turning Volunteer Work Into Engaging Challenges
How to Make Service Feel Like Purpose-Driven Adventure Let’s be honest: When most people hear “volunteer work,” they imagine chores, long hours, or thankless tasks. But that’s because they’ve never seen service transformed into a challenge —a mission, a test of grit, heart, and leadership. At Covenant of Courage , we don’t just recruit volunteers. We raise purpose-driven leaders who serve with energy, urgency, and excellence. And the secret? We turn service into challenge-ba
Kirk Carlson
Oct 242 min read


Group 7 Meetup Coming to Norco, California! “Shared Success is the Best Success” – Let’s Build It Together.
⸻ 🚨 Group 7 Is Going from Viral to REAL It started on TikTok. It became a movement. Now, it’s becoming a nationwide community. If you’re ready to take Group 7 beyond your screen and into real connection, leadership, and impact— we’re kicking it off in Norco, California … and we want YOU there. ⸻ 📍 What’s Happening? We’re organizing the first-ever Group 7 Meetup in Norco, CA , hosted by Covenant of Courage and JLBC Cadet Corps — two veteran-led, youth-powered organizati
Kirk Carlson
Oct 232 min read


Group 7 STEM Challenges for Student Leaders
Empowering the Next Generation of Thinkers, Builders, and Change-Makers ⸻ 🧠 What Happens When Leadership Meets Innovation? The Group 7 trend took the internet by storm—what started as a viral TikTok video became a metaphor for identity, uniqueness, and bold self-expression. But at JLBC Cadet Corps and Covenant of Courage , we saw more than just a trend. We saw a gateway to growth . We asked: What if “Group 7” didn’t just mean being chosen by an algorithm… but being chosen
Kirk Carlson
Oct 233 min read


What Is Group 7 and Why Is Everyone Talking About It?
— by Covenant of Courage x JLBC Cadet Corps ⸻ 📲 A TikTok Trend With a Twist If you’ve opened TikTok in the last few weeks, chances are you’ve seen something about Group 7 . From memes to motivational videos, jokes to life lessons, the phrase “Group 7” is showing up everywhere. But what does it actually mean—and why is it resonating with so many people, especially youth, veterans, and digital leaders? Let’s break it down. ⸻ 🎥 Where It Started: A Creator’s Social Experimen
Kirk Carlson
Oct 233 min read


Why Discipline Is the Best Therapy: Rebuilding from the Inside Out
In a world flooded with quick fixes, self-help trends, and instant gratification, one timeless truth remains: discipline is the foundation of transformation . While therapy, support groups, and medication have their place in healing, discipline is the internal compass that guides us through chaos toward clarity — and ultimately, toward a better version of ourselves. ⸻ 🔧 Discipline: The Framework of Stability Therapy teaches us to unpack our trauma. But discipline teaches us
Kirk Carlson
Oct 232 min read


Turning Volunteer Work Into Engaging Challenges
How to Make Service Feel Like Purpose-Driven Adventure Let’s be honest: When most people hear “volunteer work,” they imagine chores, long hours, or thankless tasks. But that’s because they’ve never seen service transformed into a challenge —a mission, a test of grit, heart, and leadership. At Covenant of Courage , we don’t just recruit volunteers. We raise purpose-driven leaders who serve with energy, urgency, and excellence. And the secret? We turn service into challenge-ba
Kirk Carlson
Oct 212 min read


You Don’t Meet People by Accident
There’s Always a Reason: A Lesson or a Blessing. Every person who enters your life is part of your story—for a moment, a season, or a lifetime. And whether the experience is joyful, painful, or somewhere in between, there’s always something they leave behind: A lesson to sharpen you. A blessing to build you. Or sometimes… both. ⸻ 🌱 The Lesson: Growth Wrapped in Discomfort Not everyone you meet is meant to stay. Some come into your life to challenge your thinking, test you
Kirk Carlson
Oct 202 min read


Building Brotherhood Across Generations: Covenant of Courage at the Janet Goeske Foundation
On September 16, 2025, Covenant of Courage hosted a powerful tabling event at the Janet Goeske Foundation in Riverside, California, as part of our ongoing Veteran Empowerment Workshop Series. The event brought together veterans from different generations — including several Vietnam-era veterans — for a day of connection, reflection, and renewed purpose. We shared stories of military life, sacrifice, and resilience — moments that reminded us how much we have in common despite
Kirk Carlson
Oct 201 min read


Start Leading with Purpose
At The Covenant of Courage , our mission is simple but powerful: to build a community where men ignite their potential through authentic connection, meaningful conversations, and shared experiences. Our vision is a world where no man walks alone —where every man searching for friendship finds a deep, unshakable brotherhood rooted in leadership, truth, and transformation . Why Small Group Leaders Matter Small group leaders are at the heart of this mission. By opening a space f
Kirk Carlson
Oct 191 min read


Comfort Is the Enemy of Growth. Get Uncomfortable.
There’s a reason growth doesn’t feel good. Because it’s not supposed to . Growth demands stretching, adjusting, letting go, and stepping into the unknown. And if you’re always chasing comfort—if you’re always waiting until it “feels right”—you’ll stay stuck exactly where you are. Comfort zones don’t build warriors. They build walls. ⸻ 💥 Growth Requires Discomfort You can’t get stronger without resistance. You can’t become wiser without challenge. You can’t lead if you’re af
Kirk Carlson
Oct 192 min read
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