[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 36, Number 42 (Monday, October 23, 2000)]
[Pages 2479-2480]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7365--National Character Counts Week, 2000

October 14, 2000

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    The term ``character'' is derived from an ancient Greek word meaning 
``to inscribe,'' reflecting the conviction that character is not innate, 
but rather is instilled through the influence, example, and guidance of 
the people around us. One of our greatest responsibilities as adults and 
citizens, therefore, is to ensure that we teach our children, by word 
and deed, the values that will help them develop into men and women of 
strong character.
    This vital endeavor begins with the family and particularly with 
parents, who are their children's first teachers. The process continues 
in our schools--not only in the classroom, but also in the hallways, in 
the cafeteria, and on the playing field. We have many opportunities to 
instill in our children the elements of good character--citizenship, 
fairness, compassion, honesty, tolerance, and responsibility--and it is 
up to every citizen and organization to make the most of these 
opportunities.
    My Administration has strived to assist parents, caregivers, 
teachers, and religious and community leaders in this vital effort. We 
have worked with the entertainment industry to increase educational 
programming on television and to create a voluntary ratings

[[Page 2480]]

system to help parents reinforce the values they want to impart to their 
children. And 4 years ago, I was proud to sign legislation that requires 
new televisions sold in our country to include the V-chip, a device that 
allows parents to control the programs that their children watch on 
television. Recognizing the significant amount of time our children 
spend in school, we have also created partnerships with States under the 
Elementary and Secondary Education Act to assist school districts in 
developing curriculum materials, providing teacher training, and 
integrating character education into the curriculum. We have funded 
innovative after-school programs to offer young people mentors and role 
models to inspire them and to engage them in productive activities at 
the end of the school day.
    We have also promoted citizen service--one of the greatest 
character-building tools available to our society. Through initiatives 
such as America Reads, the Corporation for National and Community 
Service, the National Senior Service Corps, the Peace Corps, and 
AmeriCorps, Americans of every age, background, gender, and race are 
experiencing the rewards of helping others, and in the process becoming 
more responsible citizens. We can also teach young Americans a vital 
lesson about character by exercising our right to vote and participating 
in the democratic process--a process that Americans of notable character 
established more than two centuries ago.
    Now, Therefore, I, William J. Clinton, President of the United 
States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the 
Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 
15 through October 21, 2000, as National Character Counts Week. I call 
upon the people of the United States, government officials, educators, 
religious, community, and business leaders to commemorate this week with 
appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this fourteenth day 
of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
fifth.
                                            William J. Clinton

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., October 18, 
2000]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on October 
19.