A resolution designating the week beginning October 20, 2019, as "National Character Counts Week".

III 116TH CONGRESS 1ST SESSION S. RES. 358 Designating the week beginning October 20, 2019, as ‘‘National Character Counts Week’’. IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES OCTOBER 16, 2019 Mr. GRASSLEY (for himself, Ms. STABENOW, Mr. ENZI, Mr. ALEXANDER, Mr. LANKFORD, and Ms. WARREN) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to RESOLUTION Designating the week beginning October 20, 2019, as ‘‘National Character Counts Week’’. Whereas the well-being of the United States requires that the young people of the United States become an involved, caring citizenry of good character; Whereas the character education of children has become more urgent, as violence by and against youth increasingly threatens the physical and psychological well-being of the people of the United States; Whereas, more than ever, children need strong and construc- tive guidance from their families and their communities, including schools, youth organizations, religious institu- tions, and civic groups; VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:36 Oct 17, 2019 Jkt 099200 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6300 E:\BILLS\SR358.ATS SR358 pamtmann on DSKBC07HB2PROD with BILLS 2 •SRES 358 ATS 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 relation- ships, 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 de- velop the essential traits and characteristics that com- prise good character; Whereas, although character development is, first and fore- most, an obligation of families, the efforts of faith com- munities, schools, and youth, civic, and human service or- ganizations also play an important role in fostering and promoting good character; Whereas Congress encourages students, teachers, parents, youth, and community leaders to recognize the impor- tance of character education in preparing young people to play a role in determining the future of the United States; Whereas effective character education is based on core ethical values, which form the foundation of a democratic soci- ety; 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 youth reflect the char- acter and conduct of society, and, therefore, every adult VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:36 Oct 17, 2019 Jkt 099200 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6300 E:\BILLS\SR358.ATS SR358 pamtmann on DSKBC07HB2PROD with BILLS 3 •SRES 358 ATS has the responsibility to teach and model ethical values and every social institution has the responsibility to pro- mote the development of good character; Whereas Congress encourages individuals and organizations, especially those that 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 teaching activities; and Whereas the establishment of ‘‘National Character Counts Week’’, during which individuals, families, schools, youth organizations, religious institutions, civic groups, and other organizations focus on character education, is of great benefit to the United States: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Senate— 1 (1) designates the week beginning October 20, 2 2019, as ‘‘National Character Counts Week’’; and 3 (2) calls upon the people of the United States 4 and interested groups— 5 (A) to embrace the elements of character 6 identified by local schools and communities, 7 such as trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, 8 fairness, caring, and citizenship; and 9 (B) to observe the week with appropriate 10 ceremonies, programs, and activities. 11 Æ VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:36 Oct 17, 2019 Jkt 099200 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6301 E:\BILLS\SR358.ATS SR358 pamtmann on DSKBC07HB2PROD with BILLS