[Congressional Bills 103th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S.J. Res. 178 Referred in House (RFH)]

103d CONGRESS
  2d Session
S. J. RES. 178


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                             June 27, 1994

       Referred to the Committee 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 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 automatically 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 characteristics 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 foundation of democratic 
        society'';
Whereas the core ethical values identified by the Aspen Declaration 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 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, every 
        adult has the responsibility to teach and model the core ethical values 
        and every social institution has the responsibility to promote the 
        development of good character.'';
Whereas the Congress encourages individuals and organizations, especially those 
        who have an interest in the education and training 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.

            Passed the Senate June 24 (legislative day, June 7), 1994.

            Attest:

                                                MARTHA S. POPE,

                                                             Secretary.