Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 115 Part 3.djvu/453

 CONCURRENT RESOLUTIONS—OCT. 11, 2001 115 STAT. 2527 Whereas more than ever, children need strong and constructive guidance from their famiHes 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 their 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 society; 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; 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; and Whereas the week beginning October 15, 2001, and the week beginning October 14, 2002, are appropriate weeks to establish as National Character Counts Week: Now, therefore, be it Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring). That it is the sense of Congress that—

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