Senate Designates National Character Counts Week

Press Release

The U.S. Senate has approved a resolution cosponsored by U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) that designates next week as National Character Counts Week to encourage individuals and organizations to adopt and promote the core elements of good character.

S.Res.292 sets Oct. 16-22 as "National Character Counts Week." It was passed by unanimous consent late Wednesday. The resolution advocates greater character education and cites the importance of good character and ethical values as the foundation for American democracy. Cochran is an original cosponsor of S.Res.292 and has supported similar resolutions in the past.

"Character Counts Week can be used as a reminder of the importance and benefits of basic good character. Such traits are needed among all individuals and in every facet of our society to make our communities and our country a better place to live and work," Cochran said.

The Senate resolution emphasizes character education for school children and notes that youth need strong and constructive guidance from their families, their communities, including schools, youth organizations, religious institutions, and civic groups to promote the values of trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, citizenship and honesty. The measure says these core elements of good character transcend cultural, religious and socioeconomic differences.

The resolution states that "the character of a nation is only as strong as the character of its individual citizens" and "encourages 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 the United States."

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