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[Congressional Bills 107th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Con. Res. 204 Enrolled Bill (ENR)]

        H.Con.Res.204
                                      Agreed to October 11, 2001        

                      One Hundred Seventh Congress

                                 of the

                        United States of America

                          AT THE FIRST SESSION

         Begun and held at the City of Washington on Wednesday,
             the third day of January, two thousand and one

                          Concurrent Resolution

Whereas the well-being of the Nation requires that the young people of 
  the United States become an involved, caring citizenry with good 
  character;

Whereas the character education of children has become more urgent as 
  violence by and against youth increasingly threatens the physical and 
  psychological well-being of the people of the United States;

Whereas more than ever, children need strong and constructive guidance 
  from their families and their communities, 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 the positive effects that good 
  character can have in personal relationships, in school, and in the 
  workplace;

Whereas scholars and educators agree that people do not automatically 
  develop good character and that, 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 an 
  important role in fostering and promoting good character;

Whereas Congress encourages students, teachers, parents, youth, and 
  community leaders to recognize the importance of character education 
  in preparing young people to play their role in determining the 
  future of the Nation;

Whereas effective character education is based on core ethical values 
  which form the foundation of democratic society;

Whereas examples of character are trustworthiness, respect, 
  responsibility, fairness, caring, citizenship, and honesty;

Whereas elements of character transcend cultural, religious, and 
  socioeconomic differences;

Whereas the character and conduct of our youth reflect the character 
  and conduct of society; 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;

Whereas Congress encourages individuals and organizations, especially 
  those who have an interest in the education and training of the young 
  people of the United States, to adopt the elements of character as 
  intrinsic to the well-being of individuals, communities, and society;

Whereas many schools in the United States recognize the need, and have 
  taken steps, to integrate the values of their communities into their 
  teaching activities;

Whereas the establishment of National Character Counts Week, during 
  which individuals, families, schools, youth organizations, religious 
  institutions, civic groups, and other organizations would focus on 
  character education, would be of great benefit to the Nation; and

Whereas the week beginning October 15, 2001, and the week beginning 
  October 14, 2002, are appropriate weeks to establish as National 
  Character Counts Week: Now, therefore, be it

    Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), 
That it is the sense of Congress that--
        (1) a National Character Counts Week should be established to 
    promote character education; and
        (2) the President should issue a proclamation calling upon the 
    people of the United States to--
            (A) embrace the elements of character identified by their 
        local schools and communities, such as trustworthiness, 
        respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, citizenship, and 
        honesty; and
            (B) observe such a week with appropriate ceremonies, 
        programs, and activities.
  Attest:

                                 Clerk of the House of Representatives.

  Attest:

                                               Secretary of the Senate.
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