Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 108 Part 2.djvu/842

 108 STAT. 1558 PUBLIC LAW 103-301—AUG. 19, 1994 Public Law 103-301 103d Congress Joint Resolution Aug. 19, 1994 To proclaim the week of October 16 through October 22, 1994, as [S.J. Res. 178] "National Character Counts Week". 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;

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