Building Character

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"We aim to develop physique, mentality and character in our students; but because the first two are menaces without the third, the greatest of these is character." ~ Joseph Dana Allen, Headmaster

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The CHARACTER COUNTS! approach to character education doesn't exclude anyone. That's why Character Counts.org base their programs and materials on six ethical values that everyone can agree on — values that are not political, religious, or culturally biased. Use the points below to help young people understand the Six Pillars.
For a more detailed discussion of the Six Pillars, consult the book, Making Ethical Decisions.

Trustworthiness
Be honest • Don’t deceive, cheat, or steal • Be reliable — do what you say you’ll do • Have the courage to do the right thing • Build a good reputation • Be loyal — stand by your family, friends, and country

Respect
Treat others with respect; follow the Golden Rule • Be tolerant and accepting of differences • Use good manners, not bad language • Be considerate of the feelings of others • Don’t threaten, hit or hurt anyone • Deal peacefully with anger, insults, and disagreements

Responsibility
Do what you are supposed to do • Plan ahead • Persevere: keep on trying! • Always do your best • Use self-control • Be self-disciplined • Think before you act — consider the consequences • Be accountable for your words, actions, and attitudes • Set a good example for others

Fairness
Play by the rules • Take turns and share • Be open-minded; listen to others • Don’t take advantage of others • Don’t blame others carelessly • Treat all people fairly

Caring
Be kind • Be compassionate and show you care • Express gratitude • Forgive others • Help people in need

Citizenship
Do your share to make your school and community better • Cooperate • Get involved in community affairs • Stay informed; vote • Be a good neighbor • Obey laws and rules • Respect authority • Protect the environment • Volunteer
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"Good character is more to be praised than outstanding talent. Most talents are to some extent a gift. Good character, by contrast, is not given to us. We have to build it piece by piece—by thought, choice, courage and determination." ~ John Luther

Character Counts.org

Good Character.com

Character in Action.com

4-H Building Character activities for Children

52 Character Building Thoughts for Children

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Building Development Assets in Our Youth

Yesterday I took a training on Developmental Assets.  It was sponsored by Promise Partners and the community I work in.  Originally developed in 1990 by the Search Institute.

The 40 Developmental Assets are the building blocks for raising healthy children and youth.  They represent the relationships, opportunities, and personal qualities that young people need to avoid risks and to thrive. 

The training taught us not only what the 40 assets are.  We also discussed ways we can, as community, can implement them in our contact with children and youth every day.  Not just with our extended family and the children of our friends.  But every youth we see and have an opportunity to talk to.  To intentionally make them aware that someone cares about them.  It is so very important in the success.  The more assets young people have, the less likely they are to engage in a wide range of negative behavior and the more likely they are to have a full, happy and successful life.

Children especially, can never have too many adults keeping an eye on them, or care about them.  Years ago extended families lived closer together and neighbors too on extended family roles.  Unfortunately, today both of those are rare. 

This training was Awesome!  It gave me awareness of the 40 assets, but also ways I can use them with my own sons.  As a group, we also shares ideas on how to implement them into our daily lives and encounters. 

What a wonderful thing Promise Partners is doing, by bring this training to my area.  Their Vision Statement that our youth will be healthy and safe, have marketable skills and opportunities to serve, and will be engaged in positive activities with caring adults.  What a positive program!

I plan to stay with this group, learning more and sharing the mission message with everyone I know and encounter in my own life.  I feel very grateful to have had such this opportunity and a chance to share that with all of you!

"Take the first step and your mind will mobilize all its forces to your aid. But the first essential is that you begin. Once the journey is started, all that is within and without you will come to your assistance." ~ Robert Collier, adapted