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SENATE MEMORIAL 36
48
TH
LEGISLATURE
- STATE OF NEW MEXICO -
FIRST SESSION
, 2007
INTRODUCED BY
Bernadette M. Sanchez
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
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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 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
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.163730.2
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 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.
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