At a time when most headlines coming out of Washington scream of "congressional deadlock," last week Congress passed SJR178 declaring Oct. 16-22 "National Character Counts! Week."
In an exceptional bipartisan effort led by Sen. Robert Bennett, R-Utah, the resolution was approved by the Senate in June and moved quickly through the House, raising the expectation of a White House signing ceremony by early September to make it official.Sen. Bennett is an original co-sponsor of the resolution, which focuses national attention on the responsibility of every adult to teach and model six consensus core values called the "Six Pillars of Character": trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship.
Already 23 states and over almost 250 cities and counties have proclaimed the week and will celebrate with programs, activities and ceremonies aimed at recognizing that Character Counts! A coalition of 50 organizations serving over 35 million young people and adults have formed the Character Counts! Coalition, committed to integrating the "Six Pillars of Character" into their new and existing programs.
Michael Josephson
Character Counts! Coalition
Marina del Rey, Calif.