WHAT IS CHARACTER COUNTS!?
- A national grassroots initiative based on voluntary citizen action.
- A carefully designed long-term community- based strategy to permanently embed character development goals within schools and youth organizations.
- The search to identify a list of core shared ethical values based on the belief that there are enduring moral truths that distinguish right from wrong and define the essence of good character.
- A schoolwide initiative that focuses on the development of character in school and life.
OBJECTIVES
- A vocabulary of consensus values: The Six Pillars of Character:
- Involve children, youth and adults in programs that advocate the Six Pillars
- Integrate character education into new and existing programs of study, sports and service.
- Encourage families, businesses, and organizations to adopt, teach, utilize, and model the Six Pillars
- Honor persons who exemplify the traits of good character
- Establish a long-term commitment to Character Counts concepts
APPROACH
Our approach is to teach young people that character really does count, in the classroom, on our school grounds, in our community and in our personal lives. We want to be surrounded by honest, caring, responsible, respectful, trustworthy people that show citizenship towards the community in which we live. We want our community to grow into making decisions according to principles rather than practicality. We want to teach the importance of self-esteem and ethical values.
WHAT DO WE DO?
We are a FAMILY, whose first objective is to promote the seven pillars of character by being the example.
The purpose of the Character Counts Committee is to fortify the lives of young people with the consensus ethical values called the Six Pillars of Character. These values, which transcend divisions of race, creed, politics, gender, and wealth, are: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship.
-Trustworthiness: To be honest; not to deceive cheat, or steal; to be reliable-to do what you say you’ll do; to have the courage to do the right thing; to build a good reputation; to be loyal; to stand by your family, friends and community.
-Respect; To treat others with respect-to follow the Golden Rule; to be tolerant of differences; to use good manners not bad language; to be considerate of the feelings of others; not to threaten hit or hurt anyone; to deal peacefully with anger, insults, and disagreements.
-Responsibility: To do what you are supposed to do; to persevere-keep on trying; to always do your best; to use self-control; to be self-disciplined; to think before you act consider the
consequences; to be accountable for your choices.
-Fairness: To play by the rules; to take turns and share; to be open-minded; to listen to others;
not to take advantage of others; not to blame other carelessly.
-Caring: To be kind; to be compassionate and show that you care; to express gratitude; to forgive others; to help people in need.
-Citizenship: To do your share to make your school and community better; to cooperate; to stay
informed-vote; to be a good neighbor; to obey laws and rules; to respect authority; to protect the environment.
WHO CAN BE PART OF CHARACTER COUNTS!?
While the entire school takes part of the monthly character development initiatives, students in grades 9-12 may apply to be an ambassador for the organization, as long as they show interest for the committee, meet the requirements, and follow and practice the six pillars.
ACTIVITIES COMING UP SOON IN 2018:
- JANUARY 15TH - RESPONSABILITY KICKOFF
- MARCH 5TH - TRUSTWORTHINESS KICKOFF
- APRIL 9TH - FAIRNESS KICKOFF