"All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good people to do nothing."
-Edmund Burke

  • Is the nation's most widely used character development framework.

  • Is used in schools, youth, sports, civic and community organizations.

  • Is based on shared beliefs and consensus values called the "Six Pillars of Character" that transcend cultural, socioeconomic and religious differences.


THE SIX PILLARS OF CHARACTER

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 tolerant 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
                                                                                                                                                                       
Responsibility                                                       

Do what you are supposed to do  Persevere: keep on trying!  Always do your best  Use self-control  Be self-disciplined  Think before you act -- consider the consequences  Be accountable for your choices

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  Stay informed; vote  Be a good neighbor  Obey laws and rules  Respect authority  Protect the environment 

©2001 / Josephson Institute


E-mail: gsmit@forcharacter.com

CHARACTER COUNTS!  and the Six Pillars of Character are service marks of the
CHARACTER COUNTS Coalition, a project of the Josephson Institute of
Ethics.

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