The Six Pillars of Character
The CHARACTER COUNTS! approach to character education doesn't exclude anyone. The Pillars are six ethical values that everyone can agree on — values that are not political, religious, or culturally biased. The 6 Pillars are explained below. For further information view our Character Counts PowerPoint
Trustworthiness
Be honest • Don't deceive, cheat or steal • Be reliable — do what you say you'll do • Have the courage to do the right thing • Build a good reputation • Be loyal — stand by your family, friends and country
Respect
Treat others with respect; follow the Golden Rule • Be tolerant of differences • Use good manners, not bad language • Be considerate of the feelings of others • Don't threaten, hit or hurt anyone • Deal peacefully with anger, insults and disagreements
Responsibility
Do what you are supposed to do • Persevere: keep on trying! • Always do your best • Use self-control • Be self-disciplined • Think before you act — consider the consequences • Be accountable for your choices
Fairness
Play by the rules • Take turns and share • Be open-minded; listen to others • Don't take advantage of others • Don't blame others carelessly
Caring
Be kind • Be compassionate and show you care • Express gratitude • Forgive others • Help people in need
Citizenship
Do your share to make your school and community better • Cooperate • Get involved in community affairs • Stay informed; vote • Be a good neighbor • Obey laws and rules • Respect authority • Protect the environment
COLOR SCHEME
Trustworthiness : blue
Think "true blue"
Respect : yellow/gold
Think The Golden Rule
Responsibility : green
Think being responsible for a garden or finances; or as in being solid and reliable like an oak
Fairness : orange
Think of dividing an orange into equal sections to share fairly with friends
Caring : red
Think of a heart
Citizenship : purple
Think regal purple as representing the state
T R R F C C
Students can use this acronym to help them remember that people with good character are terrific:
T rustworthiness
R espect
R esponsibility
F airness
C aring
C itizenship
