[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 82 (Friday, June 24, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: June 24, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                     NATIONAL CHARACTER COUNTS WEEK

  The joint resolution (S.J. Res. 178) to proclaim the week of October 
16 through October 22, 1994, as ``National Character Counts Week'' was 
considered, ordered to be engrossed for a third reading, read the third 
time and passed.
  The preamble was agreed to.
  The joint resolution, and the preamble, are as follows:

                             S.J. Res. 178

       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.

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