CHARACTER COUNTS!

2008 - 2009

"There is no such thing as a 'self-made' man. We are made up of thousands of others."
— George Burton Adams

 

CHARACTER COUNTS! is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, nonsectarian character education framework that teaches the Six Pillars of Character: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship.

The CHARACTER COUNTS! Coalition includes thousands of schools, communities and nonprofit organizations. CHARACTER COUNTS! is a local, grass roots effort of concerned citizens in many communities nationwide which embrace the Six Pillars of Character as the basis for understanding and evaluating all ethical behavior. The overriding mission of CHARACTER COUNTS! is to strengthen the character of America's youth.

How and When Did This Start? CHARACTER COUNTS! got its start as the result of an Ethics Conference at the Aspen Institute in 1992. CHARACTER COUNTS! believes that effective character education is, first and foremost, an obligation of families; it is also an important obligation of faith, communities, schools, youth and other human service organizations. These obligations to develop character are best achieved when these groups work in concert. It has no political agenda and is not affiliated with any religious denominations.

Who can be involved in CHARACTER COUNTS! Students, parents, teaching staff, business leaders, youth loaders, clergy, civic organizations-- anyone who interacts with young people!

What We Believe: Character really counts! In personal relationships, in school, at the workplace-- in life-- who you are makes a difference! Character is not hereditary, nor does it develop automatically. It must be consciously developed by example and demand. There are common ethical values that transcend political, religious, socioeconomic and cultural differences. Called the "Six Pillars of Character," these values are trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship.

 

Six Pillars of Character

Trustworthiness:
Be honest. Don't deceive, cheat or steal. Be reliable-- do what you say you'll do. Have the courage to do the right thing. Build a good reputation. Be loyal-- stand by your family, friends and country.
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Respect:
Treat others with respect; follow the Golden Rule. Be tolerant of differences. Use good manners, not bad language. Be considerate of the feelings of others. Don't threaten, hit or hurt anyone. Deal peacefully with anger, insults and disagreements.
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Responsibility:
Do what you are supposed to do. Persevere: keep on trying! Always do your best. Use self-control. Be self-disciplined. Think before you act-- consider the consequences. Be accountable for your choices.

Fairness:
Play by the rules. Take turns and share. Be open-minded; listen to others. Don't take advantage of others. Don't blame others carelessly
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Caring:
Be kind. Be compassionate and show you care. Express gratitude. Forgive others. Help people in need.
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Citizenship:
Do your share to make your school and community better. Cooperate. Stay informed; vote. Be a good neighbor. Obey laws and rules. Respect authority. Protect the environment.

 

Character Counts! Student Committee

                                   

 

1st Nine Weeks - Trustworthiness

The "trustworthiness" pillar is associated with the color "blue". Think true blue.