By: Ashley Winterstein
The Character Counts! Program in Queen Anne’s County is due to celebrate its 10th Anniversary this November. Born from the concern of a local citizen about childhood violence, the Community Partnerships for Children researched information on character development and methods to bring this idea to the community.
By proclamation of the Queen Anne’s County Commissioners, an Advisory Council was formed to partner with the citizens of Queen Anne’s County to support and embrace character development in all aspects of our lives.
The Advisory Council joined the coalition of forces behind the National Character Counts! program, a non-profit, non-partisan, non-sectarian program focused around the Six Pillars of Character – Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring, and Citizenship.
Since 2000, volunteer Character Coaches have been visiting local schools every year and sharing messages about developing good character using the Six Pillars of Character. These volunteers plan lessons about the chosen Pillar of the Month and spend fifteen minutes each week communicating these lessons in the classroom.
Because of the frequency of their visits and sincerity of their actions, it is not uncommon for Character Coaches to develop strong, positive relationships with their students. Character Coaches serve as role models and mentors as they strive to develop the decision making skills, self-esteem, confidence, and character of their students.
With recent budget cuts in all areas of funding for the Character Counts! Program, the Advisory Council has kicked off a new YOUR DOLLAR COUNTS! campaign to raise funds to continue the program. With a goal of raising $10,000 by June 30, 2011, the Character Counts! Advisory Council is inviting the citizens of Queen Anne’s County to each contribute ONE DOLLAR to their efforts.
Jacki Carter, Character Counts! Coordinator, will be keeping track of the donation level on a poster entitled, “Building Steps to a Brighter Future for our Community.” If 10,000 citizens each donate ONE DOLLAR, the Character Counts! Advisory Council and Character Coaches will be able to continue their efforts to enhance the character of this county.
Carter reminds us, “Character Counts! is an important community tool in aiding the social and emotional development of our children. The building of character takes place in homes, schools, businesses, churches and neighborhoods. Everyone, children and adults alike, need reminders and support in implementing the six pillars daily. This Dollar Counts campaign will help to hone that community tool and increase its outreach to citizens of all ages. We know we will be successful when all citizens in Queen Anne’s County practice their character even when no one is looking!”
If you are interested in supporting the Character Counts! Program, please make checks payable to the Foundation for Community Partnerships with QAC CC! in the memo line and send your contribution to QAC Character Counts! P.O. Box 418 Centreville, MD 21617. Remember – YOUR DOLLAR COUNTS!
For more information about the Character Counts! program, please contact Jacki Carter at 410-758-6677 or jcarter@qac.org. Queen Anne’s County Character Counts! is a part of QAC Community Partnerships for Children and Families, our local management board.