IA
103D CONGRESS
2D SESSION
H. J. RES. 366
To proclaim the week of October 16 through October 22, 1994, as ‘‘National
Character Counts Week’’.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
MAY 11, 1994
Mr. HALL of Ohio (for himself, Mr. WOLF, Mr. HAMILTON, Mr. HYDE, Mr.
MOAKLEY, Mr. EMERSON, Mr. HUGHES, and Mr. SMITH of Michigan) in-
troduced the following joint resolution; which was referred to the Commit-
tee on Post Office and Civil Service
JOINT RESOLUTION
To proclaim the week of October 16 through October 22,
1994, as ‘‘National Character Counts Week’’.
Whereas young people will be the stewards of our commu-
nities, 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;
HJ 366 IH
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 that char-
acter 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, con-
scientious efforts must be made by youth-influencing in-
stitutions and individuals to help young people develop
the essential traits and characteristics that comprise good
character;
Whereas character development is, first and foremost, an ob-
ligation 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 Congress encourages students, teachers, parents,
youth and community leaders to recognize the valuable
role our youth play in the present and future of our Na-
tion, 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 frame-
work for character education appropriate to a diverse and
pluralistic society;
HJ 366 IH
Whereas the Aspen Declaration states that ‘‘Effective char-
acter education is based on core ethical values which
form the foundation of democratic society’’;
Whereas the core ethical values identified by the Aspen Dec-
laration constitute the Six Core Elements of Character;
Whereas these Six Core Elements of Character are—
(1) trustworthiness;
(2) respect;
(3) responsibility;
(4) justice and fairness;
(5) caring; and
(6) civic virtue and citizenship.
Whereas these Six Core Elements of Character transcend cul-
tural, religious, and socioeconomic differences;
Whereas the Aspen Declaration states that ‘‘The character
and conduct of our youth reflect the character and con-
duct of society; therefore, every adult has the responsibil-
ity to teach and model the core ethical values and every
social institution has the responsibility to promote the de-
velopment of good character.’’;
Whereas the Congress encourages individuals and organiza-
tions, especially those who have an interest in the edu-
cation and training of our youth, to adopt these Six Core
Elements of Character as intrinsic to the well-being of in-
dividuals, communities, and society as a whole; and
Whereas the Congress encourages communities, especially
schools and youth organizations, to integrate these Six
Core Elements of Character into programs serving stu-
dents and children: Now, therefore, be it
HJ 366 IH
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives
of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
That the week of October 16 through October 22, 1994,
is designated as ‘‘National Character Counts Week’’, and
the President is authorized and requested to issue a proc-
lamation calling upon the people of the United States and
interested groups to embrace these Six Core Elements of
Character and to observe the week with appropriate cere-
monies and activities.
Æ