III

107TH CONGRESS

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;
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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;
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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 wellbeing 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

1 Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate

2 concurring), That it is the sense of Congress that—

3 (1) a National Character Counts Week should

4 be established to promote character education; and

5 (2) the President should issue a proclamation

6 calling upon the people of the United States to—
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1 (A) embrace the elements of character

2 identified by their local schools and commu3 nities, such as trustworthiness, respect, respon4 sibility, fairness, caring, citizenship, and hon5 esty; and

6 (B) observe such a week with appropriate

7 ceremonies, programs, and activities.

Passed the House of Representatives September 24,

2001.

Attest: JEFF TRANDAHL,

Clerk.