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;
HCON 204 RFS
Whereas more than ever, children need strong and construc-
tive guidance from their families and their communities,
including schools, youth organizations, religious institu-
tions, 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 relation-
ships, 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 de-
velop the essential traits and characteristics that com-
prise good character;
Whereas, although character development is, first and fore-
most, an obligation of families, the efforts of faith com-
munities, schools, and youth, civic, and human service or-
ganizations also play an important role in fostering and
promoting good character;
Whereas Congress encourages students, teachers, parents,
youth, and community leaders to recognize the impor-
tance 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 pro-
mote 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 es-
tablish as National Character Counts Week: Now, there-
fore, 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—
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(A) embrace the elements of character
identified by their local schools and commu-
nities, such as trustworthiness, respect, respon-
sibility, fairness, caring, citizenship, and hon-
esty; and
(B) observe such a week with appropriate
ceremonies, programs, and activities.
Passed the House of Representatives September 24,
2001.
Attest:
JEFF TRANDAHL,
Clerk.