SENATE MEMORIAL 14

48th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2008

INTRODUCED BY

Bernadette M. Sanchez

A MEMORIAL

LAUDING CHARACTER COUNTS AND DECLARING FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2008, AS "CHARACTER COUNTS DAY" IN THE SENATE.

     WHEREAS, young people will be the stewards of our communities, nation and world in critical times, and the present and future well-being of our society requires an involved, caring citizenry with good character; and

     WHEREAS, concerns about the character training of children have taken on a new sense of urgency as violence by and against youth threatens the physical and psychological well-being of the nation; 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 the public good is advanced when young people are taught that good character counts in personal relationships, in school and in the workplace; and

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

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

     WHEREAS, in July 1992, the Aspen declaration was written by an eminent group of educators, youth leaders and ethics scholars for the purpose of articulating a coherent framework for character education appropriate to a diverse and pluralistic society; and

     WHEREAS, the Aspen declaration states that "effective character education is based on core ethical values which form the foundation of democratic society"; trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship are six pillars of character that transcend cultural, religious and socioeconomic difficulties; and

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

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that it declare Friday, February 1, 2008, as "Character Counts Day" in the senate; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the six pillars of character be endorsed; that all state and local government employees be urged to seek out opportunities to incorporate these core ethical values into their work with young people in park and recreation activities, child care programs, community events and intern and employee training; and that all citizens be encouraged to model these traits of good character in an ongoing commitment to promote character development and ethical behavior in the youth of our community; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the governor and the New Mexico municipal league.

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