Character Based Literacy

Responsibility Requires Action. Responsibility is the active side of morality: doing what I should do, doing what I said I would do, doing what is best for everybody: especially doing the one thing I should be doing right now.

Change Requires Effort. Change is possible. Change requires three things: a vision, a plan, and effort. It requires changing bad habits to good habits. It requires effort even when I don’t feel like working. It requires taking one step at a time.

Leadership Requires Engagement. Leaders develop and dedicate their talents to promote the common good. This is where they choose to spend their time and effort, Leadership requires positive civic engagement. It is making sure that the communities I am part of are better because I am in them. And that I am better because of the communities I choose to be part of.

Justice Requires Restraint. Justice demands I not say or do some things to myself, any other person, or the planet.  The actions I take, and the decisions I make, must respect the rights of all.

Courage Requires Fortitude. Courage is risk for a reason, not for a thrill. Courage requires we moderate our impulses and emotions. Courage leads me to consider the Heroic Journey in which people live for purposes bigger than themselves and their wants and needs.

Integrity Requires Wholeness. Integrity requires that the way I live my life is whole, entire, undivided, sound, coherent, and principled.  Integrity moves me to do difficult and new things, not just easy and accustomed things.

Kindness Requires Empathy. Kindness is the desire to lift others’ spirits, help the ones in need, and mend relationships. Kindness requires that I take the time to listen, understand, and take action to benefit other people and the world.

Resourcefulness Requires Initiative. Being resourceful means applying my knowledge and skills to solve problems creatively and independently. It requires that I keep trying even when solutions do not come easily.