HR0101

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HOUSE RESOLUTION


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

 
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    WHEREAS, The character education of children has become 
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more urgent as violence by and against youth increasingly 
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threatens the physical and psychological well-being of the 
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people of this State; and

 
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    WHEREAS, More than ever, children need strong and 
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constructive guidance from their families and their 
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communities, including schools, youth organizations, religious 
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institutions, and civic groups; and

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

 
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    WHEREAS, The public good is advanced when young people are 
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taught the importance of good character and the positive 
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effects that good character can have in personal relationships, 
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school, and the workplace; and

 
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    WHEREAS, Scholars and educators agree that people do not 
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automatically develop good character; therefore, conscientious 
 


 






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efforts must be made by institutions and individuals that 
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influence youth to help young people develop the essential 
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traits and characteristics that comprise good character; and

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

 
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    WHEREAS, Effective character education is based on core 
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ethical values, which form the foundation of democratic 
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society; examples of character are trustworthiness, respect,

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responsibility, fairness, caring, citizenship, and honesty; 
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elements of character transcend cultural, religious, and 
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socioeconomic differences; and

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

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

 
 


 






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    WHEREAS, The establishment of Character Counts Week, 
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during which individuals, families, schools, youth 
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organizations, religious institutions, civic groups, and
other 
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organizations focus on character education, is of great benefit 
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to this State; therefore, be it

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

 
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    RESOLVED, That we encourage individuals and organizations, 
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especially those who have an interest in the education and 
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training of the young people of this State, to adopt the 
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elements of character as intrinsic to the wellbeing of 
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individuals, communities, and our society; and be it further
 
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    RESOLVED, That we designate the third week of October in 
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2009 as "Character Counts Week" in the State of Illinois; and 
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be it further
 
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    RESOLVED, That we call upon the people of the State of 
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Illinois and interested groups to embrace the elements of 
 


 






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character identified by local schools and communities, such as 
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trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, 
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and citizenship, and to observe the week with appropriate 
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ceremonies, programs, and activities.