[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 145 (Thursday, October 16, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Pages S12748-S12749]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




SENATE RESOLUTION 245--DESIGNATING THE WEEK BEGINNING OCTOBER 29, 2003, 
                 AS ``NATIONAL CHARACTER COUNTS WEEK''

  Mr. DOMENICI submitted the following resolution; which was

       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

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     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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