The Senate has passed a bipartisan resolution sponsored by Senators Pete Domenici (R-N.M.) and Chris Dodd (D-Conn.) establishing the 2008 National Character Counts Week to call the nation’s attention to the benefits of good character and character education.
The Senate resolution establishes Oct. 19-25 as the 2008 National Character Counts Week. The Character Counts program is built on the “Six Pillars of Character,” which are promoted through school and community based character education programs across the country. The six pillars are: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship.
“Character education programs work. Schools across the country that have adopted strong character education programs report better student performance, fewer discipline problems, and increased student involvement within the community,” Dodd said. “Senator Domenici and I have worked together for many years on the issue of character education and hope that by designating a special week to this cause, we may highlight the importance of character building activities in schools not only this week but all year long.”
“I have supported Character Counts throughout the years because I believe this program reaches out to all youth and adults, as the Character Counts Coalition states, no matter the individual’s race, creed, politics, gender, or wealth,” Domenici said. “I am proud of how this character education has taken root in New Mexico. This program is making a difference in New Mexico and across the country. I encourage more people to become involved with the Character Counts program, but most of all I hope individuals will take the time to reflect on and adopt the ‘Six Pillars of Character.’”
The Senate has approved National Character Counts Week resolutions since 1994.
This year’s resolution notes that “although character development is, first and foremost, an obligation of families the efforts of faith communities, schools, and youth and civic organizations also play an important role in fostering and promoting good character.”
It also states that “the character and conduct of our youth reflect the character and conduct of society, and, therefore, every adult has the responsibility to teach and model ethical values and every social institution has the responsibility to promote the development of good character.”
