Character Counts

CHARACTER COUNTS! Is a not for profit, nonpartisan, nonsectarian coalition of schools, communities and not for profit organizations working to advance character education by teaching the Six Pillars of Character-Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring and Citizenship. These six core ethical values form the foundation of the Character Counts! youth-ethics initiative.

The National Character Counts! Organization declares the third week in October as National Character Counts! week. The United City of Yorkville in cooperation with the Yorkville Community Unit School District #115 will celebrate this year's event the week of October 17-23, 2010. Look for the pillars of City Hall, 800 Game Farm Road to be decorated depicting the Six Pillars of Character.

The following is a brief list of characteristics of the Six Pillars:

Trustworthiness

• Be honest
• Don't deceive, cheat or steal
• Be reliable-do what you say you'll do
• Have the courage to do the right thing
• Build a good reputation
• Be loyal-stand by your family, friends and country

Respect

• Treat others with respect; follow the Golden Rule
• Be tolerate of differences
• Use good manners, not bad language
• Be considerate of the feelings of others
• Don't threaten, hit or hurt anyone
• Deal peacefully with anger, insults and disagreements

Fairness

• Play by the rules
• Take turns and share
• Be open-minded; listen to others
• Don't take advantage of others
• Don't blame others carelessly

Caring

• Be kind
• Be compassionate and show you care
• Express gratitude
• Forgive others
• Help people in need

Citizenship

• Do your share to make your school and community better
• Cooperate
• Get involved in community affairs
• Stay informed; vote
• Be a good neighbor
• Obey laws and rules
• Respect authority
• Protect the environment