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A MEMORIAL

LAUDING CHARACTER COUNTS AND PROVIDING FOR "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

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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 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

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STATE OF NEW MEXICO that it declare Thursday, March 15, 2007,

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 for appropriate distribution.