[Congressional Bills 108th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 245 Agreed to Senate (ATS)]







108th CONGRESS
  1st Session
S. RES. 245

    Designating the week beginning October 19, 2003, as ``National 
                        Character Counts Week''.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

             October 17 (legislative day, October 16), 2003

  Mr. Domenici (for himself, Mr. Dodd, Mr. Warner, Mr. Lieberman, Mr. 
  Burns, Mr. Biden, Mr. Inhofe, Mr. Akaka, Mr. Nickles, Mr. Bayh, Mr. 
    Enzi, Ms. Landrieu, Mr. Stevens, Ms. Mikulski, Mr. Cochran, Mr. 
     Kennedy, Mr. DeWine, Mr. Kerry, Mr. Chambliss, Mr. Levin, Mr. 
   Alexander, Ms. Stabenow, Mr. Hagel, Mr. Reid, Mr. Voinovich, Mr. 
 Conrad, Mr. Bunning, Mr. Dorgan, Mr. Ensign, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Shelby, 
    and Mr. Campbell) submitted the following resolution; which was 
                        considered and agreed to

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
    Designating the week beginning October 19, 2003, as ``National 
                        Character Counts Week''.

Whereas the well-being of the Nation requires that the young people of the 
        United States become an involved, caring citizenry with good character;
Whereas the character education of children has become more urgent as violence 
        by and against youth increasingly threatens the physical and 
        psychological well-being of the people of the United States;
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 the positive effects that good character can have 
        in personal relationships, in school, and in the workplace;
Whereas scholars and educators agree that people do not automatically develop 
        good character and that, therefore, conscientious efforts must be made 
        by institutions and individuals that influence youth to help young 
        people develop the essential traits and characteristics that comprise 
        good character;
Whereas, although character development is, first and foremost, an obligation of 
        families, the efforts of faith communities, schools, and youth, civic, 
        and human service organizations also play an important role in fostering 
        and promoting good character;
Whereas Congress encourages students, teachers, parents, youth, and community 
        leaders to recognize the importance of character education in preparing 
        young people to play a role in determining the future of the Nation;
Whereas effective character education is based on core ethical values which form 
        the foundation of democratic society;
Whereas examples of character are trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, 
        fairness, caring, citizenship, and honesty;
Whereas elements of character transcend cultural, religious, and socioeconomic 
        differences;
Whereas the character and conduct of our youth reflect the character and conduct 
        of society, and, therefore, every adult has the responsibility to teach 
        and model ethical values and every social institution has the 
        responsibility to promote the development of good character;
Whereas Congress encourages individuals and organizations, especially those who 
        have an interest in the education and training of the young people of 
        the United States, to adopt the elements of character as intrinsic to 
        the well-being of individuals, communities, and society;
Whereas many schools in the United States recognize the need, and have taken 
        steps, to integrate the values of their communities into their teaching 
        activities; and
Whereas the establishment of National Character Counts Week, during which 
        individuals, families, schools, youth organizations, religious 
        institutions, civic groups, and other organizations would focus on 
        character education, would be of great benefit to the Nation: Now, 
        therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the Senate--
            (1) proclaims the week beginning October 19, 2003, as 
        ``National Character Counts Week''; and
            (2) requests that the President issue a proclamation 
        calling upon the people of the United States and interested 
        groups to--
                    (A) embrace the elements of character identified by 
                local schools and communities, such as trustworthiness, 
                respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and 
                citizenship; and
                    (B) observe the week with appropriate ceremonies, 
                programs, and activities.
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