[Congressional Bills 104th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 413 Introduced in House (IH)]

  2d Session
H. RES. 413

   Recognizing the importance of a nationally designated ``Character 
 Counts Week'' and of the character development of young people to the 
  present and future of the United States, and encouraging community, 
school, and youth organizations to integrate the ``six core elements of 
  character'' articulated in the Aspen Declaration into programs for 
                         students and children.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                             April 24, 1996

Mr. Smith of Michigan (for himself, Mr. Hall of Ohio, Mr. Emerson, Mr. 
     Hamilton, Mr. Hyde, and Mr. Moakley) submitted the following 
    resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Economic and 
                       Educational Opportunities

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
   Recognizing the importance of a nationally designated ``Character 
 Counts Week'' and of the character development of young people to the 
  present and future of the United States, and encouraging community, 
school, and youth organizations to integrate the ``six core elements of 
  character'' articulated in the Aspen Declaration into programs for 
                         students and children.

Whereas the well-being of society requires an involved, caring citizenry of good 
        character;
Whereas the character of the United States as a nation is only as strong as the 
        character of its individual citizens;
Whereas young people will grow to become leaders and provide direction in 
        critical times for our communities nation, and world;
Whereas concerns about the character training of children have taken on a new 
        sense of urgency as violence by and against young people threatens the 
        physical and psychological well-being of the people of the United 
        States;
Whereas the public good is advanced by teaching young people the importance of 
        good character in personal relationships, school, and the workplace;
Whereas scholars and educators agree that individuals do not develop good 
        character without effort;
Whereas families, communities, schools, religious institutions, youth and human 
        service organizations, and civic groups must make conscientious efforts 
        to offer strong and constructive guidance to young people to develop the 
        traits and characteristics that are essential to good character;
Whereas efforts by communities, schools, religious institutions, youth and human 
        service organizations, and civic groups play an important role in 
        supporting the efforts of the families of young people to develop and 
        promote good character;
Whereas, in July 1992, the Aspen Declaration was written by an eminent group of 
        educators, youth leaders, and ethics scholars to articulate a coherent 
        framework for character education appropriate for a diverse and 
        pluralistic society;
Whereas the Aspen Declaration states that ``[e]ffective character education is 
        based on core ethical values which form the foundation of democratic 
        society'';
Whereas the Aspen Declaration identified certain core ethical values as the 
        ``six core elements of character'';
Whereas the ``six core elements of character'' are trustworthiness, respect, 
        responsibility, justice and fairness, caring, civic virtue, and 
        citizenship;
Whereas ``the six core elements of character'' transcend cultural, religious, 
        and socioeconomic differences; and
Whereas the Aspen Declaration states that ``[t]he 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'': Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) recognizes the importance of a nationally designated 
        ``Character Counts Week'';
            (2) recognizes the importance of the character development 
        of young people to the present and future of the United States;
            (3) encourages students, teachers, parents, and youth and 
        community leaders to recognize the ``six core elements of 
        character'' articulated in the Aspen Declaration as intrinsic 
        to the well-being of individuals, communities, and society; and
            (4) encourages community, school, and youth organizations 
        to integrate the ``six core elements of character'' into 
        programs for students and children.
                                 <all>