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;
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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 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
H. Con. Res. 204—3

(B) observe such a week with appropriate ceremonies,

programs, and activities.

Attest:

Clerk of the House of Representatives.

Attest:

Secretary of the Senate.