III

104TH CONGRESS

2D SESSION S. RES. 226

To proclaim the week of October 13 through October 19, 1996, as ‘‘National

Character Counts Week’’.

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

FEBRUARY 28 (legislative day, FEBRUARY 23), 1996

Mr. DOMENICI (for himself, Mr. NUNN, Mr. DODD, Mr. COCHRAN, Ms. MIKULSKI, Mr. BENNETT, Mr. LIEBERMAN, Mr. KEMPTHORNE, Mr. DORGAN, and Mr. FRIST) introduced the following bill; which was referred to

the Committee on the Judiciary

RESOLUTION

To proclaim the week of October 13 through October 19,

1996, 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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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 youth-influencing institutions and individuals to help young people develop

the essential traits and characteristics that comprise good

character;

Whereas character development is, first and foremost, an obligation of families, efforts by 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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Whereas the Aspen Declaration states that ‘‘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 six core elements of character;

Whereas the six core elements of character are trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, justice and fairness,

caring, civic virtue, and citizenship;

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

Whereas the Aspen Declaration states that ‘‘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 six 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 six core

elements of character into programs serving students and

children: Now, therefore, be it

1 Resolved, That the Senate proclaims the week of Oc2 tober 13 through October 19, 1996, as National Character

3 Counts Week, and requests the President to issue a proc4 lamation calling upon the people of the United States and

5 interested groups to embrace the six core elements of char-
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1 acter and to observe the week with appropriate ceremonies

2 and activities.

Æ