[Congressional Bills 103th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S.J. Res. 178 Reported in Senate (RS)]
Calendar No. 487
103d CONGRESS
2d Session
S. J. RES. 178
_______________________________________________________________________
JOINT RESOLUTION
To proclaim the week of October 16 through October 22, 1994, as
``National Character Counts Week''.
_______________________________________________________________________
June 23 (legislative day, June 7), 1994
Reported without amendment
Calendar No. 487
103d CONGRESS
2d Session
S. J. RES. 178
To proclaim the week of October 16 through October 22, 1994, as
``National Character Counts Week''.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
March 24 (legislative day, February 22), 1994
Mr. Domenici (for himself, Mr. Nunn, Mr. Dodd, Mr. Danforth, Ms.
Mikulski, Mr. Cochran, Mr. Lieberman, Mr. Bennett, Mr. Dorgan, Mr.
Conrad, Mr. Pell, Mr. Graham, Mr. Reid, Mr. Wofford, Mr. Coverdell, Mr.
Bradley, Mr. D'Amato, Mr. McCain, Mr. Durenberger, Mr. Stevens, Mr.
DeConcini, Mr. Cohen, Mr. Johnston, Mr. Grassley, Mrs. Boxer, Mr.
Thurmond, Mr. Hatch, Mr. Dole, Mr. Sasser, Mr. Breaux, Mr. Smith, Mr.
Jeffords, Mr. Gorton, Mr. Specter, Mr. Chafee, Mrs. Hutchison, Mr.
Akaka, Mr. Helms, Mr. Byrd, Mrs. Feinstein, Mr. Simpson, Mr. Boren, Mr.
Coats, Mr. Heflin, Mr. Murkowski, Mr. Bond, Mr. Exon, Mr. Biden, Mr.
Ford, Mr. Wellstone, Mr. Gregg, Mr. Robb, Mr. Rockefeller, Mr. Mack,
and Mr. Craig) introduced the following joint resolution; which was
read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary
June 23 (legislative day, June 7), 1994
Reported by Mr. Biden, without amendment
_______________________________________________________________________
JOINT RESOLUTION
To proclaim the week of October 16 through October 22, 1994, as
``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;
Whereas these Six Core Elements of Character are--
(1) trustworthiness;
(2) respect;
(3) responsibility;
(4) justice and fairness;
(5) caring; and
(6) civic virtue and citizenship.
Whereas these Six Core Elements of Character transcend cultural, religious, and
socioeconomic differences;
Whereas the Aspen Declaration states that ``The character and conduct of our
youth reflect the character and conduct of society; therefore, every
adult has the responsibility to teach and model the core ethical values
and every social institution has the responsibility to promote the
development of good character.'';
Whereas the Congress encourages individuals and organizations, especially those
who have an interest in the education and training of our youth, to
adopt these Six Core Elements of Character as intrinsic to the well-
being of individuals, communities, and society as a whole; and
Whereas the Congress encourages communities, especially schools and youth
organizations, to integrate these Six Core Elements of Character into
programs serving students and children: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United
States of America in Congress assembled, That the week of October 16
through October 22, 1994, is designated as ``National Character Counts
Week'', and the President is authorized and requested to issue a
proclamation calling upon the people of the United States and
interested groups to embrace these Six Core Elements of Character and
to observe the week with appropriate ceremonies and activities.