III

105TH CONGRESS

2D SESSION S. RES. 176

Proclaiming the week of October 18 through October 24, 1998, as ‘‘National

Character Counts Week’’.

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

FEBRUARY 12, 1998

Mr. DOMENICI (for himself, Mr. DODD, Mr. COCHRAN, Ms. MIKULSKI, Mr.

BENNETT, Mr. LIEBERMAN, Mr. KEMPTHORNE, Mr. DORGAN, Mr.

FRIST, and Mr. CLELAND) submitted the following resolution; which was

referred to the Committee on the Judiciary

RESOLUTION

Proclaiming the week of October 18 through October 24,

1998, as ‘‘National Character Counts Week’’.

Whereas young people will be the stewards of our communities, Nation, and world in critical times, and the

present and future well-being of our society requires an

involved, caring citizenry with good character;

Whereas concerns about the character training of children

have taken on a new sense of urgency as violence by and

against youth threatens the physical and psychological

well-being of the Nation;

Whereas more than ever, children need strong and constructive guidance from their families and their communities,
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•SRES 176 IS

including schools, youth organizations, religious institutions, and civic groups;

Whereas the character of a nation is only as strong as the

character of its individual citizens;

Whereas the public good is advanced when young people are

taught the importance of good character and that character counts in personal relationships, in school, and in

the workplace;

Whereas scholars and educators agree that people do not

automatically develop good character and, therefore, conscientious efforts must be made by institutions and individuals that influence youth to help young people develop

the essential traits and characteristics that comprise good

character;

Whereas, although character development is, first and foremost, an obligation of families, the efforts of faith communities, schools, and youth, civic, and human service organizations also play a very important role in supporting

family efforts by fostering and promoting good character;

Whereas the Senate encourages students, teachers, parents,

youth, and community leaders to recognize the valuable

role our youth play in the present and future of our Nation and to recognize that character is an important part

of that future;

Whereas, in July 1992, the Aspen Declaration was written by

an eminent group of educators, youth leaders, and ethics

scholars for the purpose of articulating a coherent framework for character education appropriate to a diverse and

pluralistic society;
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•SRES 176 IS

Whereas the Aspen Declaration states, ‘‘Effective character

education is based on core ethical values which form the

foundation of democratic society.’’;

Whereas the core ethical values identified by the Aspen Declaration constitute the 6 core elements of character;

Whereas the 6 core elements of character are trustworthiness,

respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship;

Whereas the 6 core elements of character transcend cultural,

religious, and socioeconomic differences;

Whereas the Aspen Declaration states, ‘‘The character and

conduct of our youth reflect the character and conduct of

society; therefore, every adult has the responsibility to

teach and model the core ethical values and every social

institution has the responsibility to promote the development of good character.’’;

Whereas the Senate encourages individuals and organizations, especially those who have an interest in the education and training of our youth, to adopt the 6 core elements of character as intrinsic to the well-being of individuals, communities, and society as a whole; and

Whereas the Senate encourages communities, especially

schools and youth organizations, to integrate the 6 core

elements of character into programs serving students and

children: Now, therefore, be it

1 Resolved, That the Senate—

2 (1) proclaims the week of October 18 through

3 October 24, 1998, as ‘‘National Character Counts

4 Week’’; and
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1 (2) requests that the President issue a procla2 mation calling upon the people of the United States

3 and interested groups to embrace the 6 core ele4 ments of character and to observe the week with ap5 propriate ceremonies and activities.

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