HR0101 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0101 LRB096 09080 GRL 19221 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The well-being of the State of Illinois requires that the young people of this State become an involved, caring citizenry with good character; and

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 this State; and

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; and

WHEREAS, The character of a nation is only as strong as the character of its individual citizens; and

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 relationships, school, and the workplace; and

WHEREAS, Scholars and educators agree that people do not automatically develop good character; therefore, conscientious efforts must be made by institutions and individuals that influence youth to help young people develop the essential traits and characteristics that comprise good character; and

WHEREAS, Although character development is, first and foremost, an obligation of families, the efforts of faith communities, schools, and youth, civic, and human service organizations also play an important role in fostering and promoting good character; and

WHEREAS, Effective character education is based on core ethical values, which form the foundation of democratic society; examples of character are trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, citizenship, and honesty; elements of character transcend cultural, religious, and socioeconomic differences; and

WHEREAS, The character and conduct of our youth reflect the character and conduct of society; therefore, every adult has the responsibility to teach and model ethical values and every social institution has the responsibility to promote the development of good character; and

WHEREAS, Many schools in this State recognize the need, and have taken steps, to integrate the values of their communities into their teaching activities; and

WHEREAS, The establishment of 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 this State; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we encourage students, teachers, parents, youth, and community leaders to recognize the importance of character education in preparing young people to play a role in determining the future of this State; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we encourage individuals and organizations, especially those who have an interest in the education and training of the young people of this State, to adopt the elements of character as intrinsic to the wellbeing of individuals, communities, and our society; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we designate the third week of October in 2009 as "Character Counts Week" in the State of Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we call upon the people of the State of Illinois and interested groups to embrace the elements of character identified by local schools and communities, such as trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship, and to observe the week with appropriate ceremonies, programs, and activities.