CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT

From the IHSAA May 1998 Bulletin

The December 1997 IHSAA Bulletin contained an article about the Athletic Association's participation in a character development seminar facilitated by the Josephson Institute of Ethics. The educational program developed by the Josephson Institute is called CHARACTER COUNTS! This is the first in a series of articles that will appear addressing various aspects of the CHARACTER COUNTS! program.

Character is comprised of six core ethical values. Those core ethical values are trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship. While no set of rules can assure ethical conduct in these six areas, the Character Counts Coalition offers these ten basic rules as a foundation for character development:

1) Be Honest. Tell the truth; be sincere; don't mislead or withhold key information in relationships of trust; and don't steal.

2) Demonstrate Integrity. Stand up for your beliefs about right and wrong; be your best self; resist social pressure to do wrong.

3) Keep Promises. Keep your word and honor your commitments; pay your debts and return what you borrow.

4) Be Loyal. Stand by your family, friends, employer, community and country; don't talk about people behind their backs.

5) Be Responsible. Think before you act; consider the consequences; be accountable for your actions; and "take your medicine."

6) Pursue Excellence. Do your best with what you have; don't quit easily.

7) Be Kind and Caring. Show you care through generosity and compassion; don't be selfish or mean.

8) Treat All People With Respect. Be courteous and polite; judge all people on their merits; be tolerant, appreciative, and accepting of individual differences.

9) Be Fair. Treat all people fairly; be open-minded; listen to others and try to understand what they are saying and feeling.

10) Be A Good Citizen. Obey the law and rules; respect authority; vote; volunteer your efforts; protect the environment.

Simply put, CHARACTER COUNTS!