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[Congressional Bills 107th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Con. Res. 204 Referred in Senate (RFS)]

  1st Session
H. CON. RES. 204

_______________________________________________________________________

                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                           September 25, 2001

        Received and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary

_______________________________________________________________________

                         CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

 
    Expressing the sense of Congress regarding the establishment of 
                    National Character Counts Week.

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.

            Passed the House of Representatives September 24, 2001.

            Attest:

                                                 JEFF TRANDAHL,

                                                                 Clerk.
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