A joint resolution to proclaim the week of October 16 through October 22, 1994 as "National Character Counts Week".
PL 103-301 (S.J.Res.178), enacted 08/19/1994

108 STAT. 1558 
PUBLIC LAW 103-301—AUG. 19, 1994 
Public Law 103-301 
103d Congress 
Joint Resolution 
Aug. 19, 1994 
To proclaim the week of October 16 through October 22, 1994, as 
[S.J. Res. 178] 
"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, 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 automati-
cally 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 characteris-
tics 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 Congress 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; 
Whereas the Aspen Declaration states that "Effective character 
education is based on core ethical values which form the founda-
tion of democratic society"; 
Whereas the core ethical values identified by the Aspen Declaration 
constitute the Six Core Elements of Character; 
PUBLIC LAW 103-301—AUG. 19, 1994 
108 STAT. 1559 
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 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, eveiy adult has the responsibility to teach and model 
the core ethical values and every social institution has the respon-
sibility to promote the development of good character."; 
Whereas the Congress encourages individuals and organizations, 
especially those who have an interest in the education and train-
ing of our youth, to adopt these Six Core Elements of Character 
as intrinsic to the well-being of individuals, 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 students and children: Now, 
therefore, be it 
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 proclamation 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 
ceremonies and activities. 
Approved August 19, 1994. 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY—S.J. Res. 178: 
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 140 (1994): 
June 24, considered and passed Senate. 
Aug. 5, considered and passed House.