Negative character reinforcement can occur anywhere and at any time. If we are to counteract this we must create an environment in which everyone, young and old, can receive positive character reinforcement anywhere at anytime. That's why there are sings, billboards, and bumper stickers, to remind people to exhibit good character. Working together schools, businesses, local government, and families can create a community in which every person is exposed to constant positive character reinforcement. Praising positive character is a vital part of creating a community of character, but it is not enough.
Character is caught at least as much as it is taught.
Random acts of kindness help people catch character. They create an environment in which people are valued, an environment in which kindness, caring and involvement can replace violence, cynicism, and apathy. They improve the learning environment, the family environment, and the working environment. Building a community of character will not be easy, it will require a lot of work over a long period of time, but the rewards are worth the investment. A community of character is a community in which people respect each other, a community where people take the time to help each other, and a community that people want to be a part of.