Where Character Lives
"Character is like the foundation of a house, it is below the surface."
- Unknown
Are you, or do you know of, a student in Strathcona County?
What is Where Character Lives?
Our residents have positive character that shines through in small, every day ways and this initiative will highlight positive character wthin the community. This on-going community-wide campaign centers on the following positive character attributes:
Respect l Courage l Responsibility l Inclusiveness
Honesty l Integrity l Civility l Fairness
Caring l Trustworthiness l Initiative l Optimism
Why were these twelve attributes chosen?
They were chosen in part from previous community surveys. As well as, from universally accepted positive character traits.
What is character education?
It is the intentional effort to promote core values through teaching and modeling. It helps individuals to know and act in ways that demonstrate positive character. Most schools are already providing character education, even if it is not called that. It is integrated into existing curriculum and embedded in daily experiences.
Character education does not happen by accident and it does not just apply to children and youth. This initiative promotes positive character throughout the entire community and for all ages. A community with character is one in which community members are committed to these positive attributes and demonstrating high standards in their behaviour and actions.
Why does positive character matter?
The outcomes of being a community Where Character Lives are significant. We can work towards creating a safe, caring environment based on respect for others, personal success and achievement, and improved personal relationships. By promoting the importance of positive character we hope to support strong families, community safety, people caring for one another and individuals making positive choices in their lives.
What is your role?
As community members we are all in a position to influence others through our positive character: as parents, as neighbours, as businesses, as community leaders or as team members. We have the opportunity to to model positive character in our everyday actions.
Here are a few small, easy ways you can model positive character:
- treat everyone with respect and civility
- offer someone your help before being asked
- be a good neighbour
- let someone pull out ahead of you when driving
- see how many people you can compliment in a day
- don't cut in line
- be extra pleasant to someone in customer service
- recycle
- invite someone new to lunch
- shovel your neighbour's driveway
- smile, even at someone you don't know
- take responsibility for your actions
Further information
780-464-4044
Last updated: Friday, April 09, 2010
Page ID: 2564