The Six Pillar Personal Inventory was initiated in 2003 and has since been administered every odd year. The survey helps to determine how we are doing in implementing and promoting the character message in our county. The Six Pillar Personal Inventory is a measurement tool used by Character Counts! to identify the need for, and response to, education about the Six Pillars of Character: Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring and Citizenship.

The 2011 Inventory Results have been analyzed and show a significant increase for 10-15 year olds in 32 of the 36 qualities. This group practices the pillars on a level with adults, with students participating in the Character Counts! program reaching higher scores than non-participants.

Students 16-21 years old showed a significant increase in 12 of the 26 qualities, with trustworthiness being the most variable practice. In contrast, the adult group said they practice trustworthiness the most and caring the least. Scores increased for all Hispanic adults for all Six Pillars, but decreased over the inventories among African-American adults.

To increase the practice of the Six Pillars and the scores for the 2013 Inventory, the evaluator suggested involving more adults in the Character Counts! program, especially male, African-American, and Asian volunteers.

There are many opportunities to become involved as the 2011-2012 school year quickly approaches. If you would like to find out more about becoming a character coach to a local classroom of students or a mentor to an at-risk student in your area, please contact Jacki Carter at 410-758-6677 or jcarter@qac.org. Your influence could have a positive impact on a young person’s life and encourage a lifetime of good character.