HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-09-10 - AGENDA REPORTS - CHARACTER COUNTS IN SC (2)AGENDA REPORT
City Manager
Item to be pre;
George A. Caravalho
PRESENTATION
DATE: September 10, 1996
SUBJECT: "CHARACTER COUNTS" IN SANTA CLARITA
DEPARTMENT: Parks, Recreation and Community Services
BACKGROUND
On October 2, 1995, Mayor JoAnne Darcy signed a proclamation declaring "the week commencing the third
Sunday in October as `Santa Clarita Character Counts Week' in perpetuity." Since that time, staff has been
investigating possibilities for implementation of"Character Counts" in Santa Clarita.
"Character Counts" is a product of the Josephson Institute of Ethics --a non-profit organization to improve
the ethical quality of society by advocating principled reasoning and ethical decision-making. The basis for
the project is the "Aspen Declaration" (attached), which was drafted at a National conference convened in
Aspen, Colorado, in July, 1992. The Aspen Declaration holds that the "present and future well-being of our
society requires an involved, caring citizenry with good moral character," and enshrines the "Six Pillars of
Character": Responsibility, Citizenship, Caring, Fairness, Respect, and Trustworthiness.
"Character Counts" has received support from both the U.S. Conference of Mayors and the President of the
United States, Bill Clinton. Over 450 cities in 39 states have endorsed "Character Counts," including Santa
Clarita.
October 13-19,;1996 is National "Character Counts" Week. Santa Clarita will celebrate "Character Counts"
Week this year with public showings of a video entitled "Kids for Character," and with performances at
various locations by a "Kids for Character Choir." Events promoting the first pillar of character, "caring,"
will be highlighted on October 26, 1996, which is National "Make a Difference Day." Throughout the year,
each of the Six Pillars of Character will receive individual focus throughout the community, through
promotional programs and activities sponsored by community organizations.
Following the Mayors Conference for Youth and Family on October 3, 1996, community leaders from
businesses, schools, churches, law enforcement, and non-profit organizations will gather at a "Character
Counts" reception to discuss ways in which "Character Counts" can be implemented in Santa Clarita.
City Council accept report and support "Character Counts" in Santa Clarita.
ATTACHMENT
"The Aspen Declaration"
p.o .61\cha a.c .923
CHARA ER
THE
AsPEN DECLARATION
The next generation will be the stewards of our communities, na-
tion, and planet in extraordinarily critical times.
2, The present and future well-being of our society requires an in-
volved, caring citizenry with good moral character.
30 People do not automatically develop good moral character; there-
fore, conscientious efforts must be made to help young people
develop the values and abilities necessary for moral decision
making and conduct.
4. Effective character education is based on core ethical values which
form the foundation of democratic society in particular, respect,
responsibility, trustworthiness, caring, justice and fairness, and
civic virtue and citizenship.
o These core ethical values transcend cultural, religious and socio-
economic differences.
60 Character education is, first and foremost, an obligation of fami-
lies; it is also an important obligation of faith communities,
schools, youth and other human service organizations.
7. These obligations to develop character are best achieved when
these groups work in concert.
80 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 institu-
tion has the responsibility to promote the development of good
character.