The Cypress Police Department actively supports CHARACTER COUNTS! and the Six Pillars of Character: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship.

The Six Pillars of Character are the foundation for showing good character from the time a student rides a school bus, to learning in a classroom, eating lunch, and interacting with others. Six Pillars of Character will eventually become part of the language among city employees, students, teachers, and the community. The CHARACTER COUNTS! framework will not only be visible through displays, such as banners and posters, but more importantly, it will be evident in how students and the community respectfully treat each other every day.

Josephson Institute CHARACTER COUNTS! is a nationwide character education program administered by Josephson Institute and the Center for Youth Ethics. Michael Josephson, founder and president of the nonprofit Josephson Institute, has presented to government officials, business leaders, educators, and professionals in sports, and other business and military sectors. Mr. Josephson has a radio program and serves as commentator on character and ethics. At the high schools, the Josephson Institute’s program for sportsmanship, Victory with Honor, is utilized by coaches and teammates. Students involved in sports are very mindful of the Six Pillars of Character during team practices and games. Their coaches instill its importance in everything they do. For learning in the classroom, the honor above all, addresses academic honesty. Students focus on trustworthiness and fairness as guiding pillars in their academic learning.

Why Promote Character?

With hurried lifestyles of today’s families, youth can be influenced less by their families and more by media and individuals outside the home.

It is our responsibility as citizens of this community to surround young people with positive images and values. If we don’t like the choices youth are making, we need to look at the choices they are being shown.

Character is developed through examples and practice. Youth need consistent reinforcement of good character from the community. They need to see and hear positive values at home, at school, and throughout the community.

The Goal of CHARACTER COUNTS! in Cypress:

To provide leadership and coordination for the development of citizens who model, and encourage positive character in their homes, schools, businesses, recreational facilities, service organizations, religious organizations, and the community.

CHARACTER COUNTS! is a character development framework based on shared beliefs and consensus values concerning qualities and traits associated with good character. These values transcend cultural, socio-economic, and religious differences. Character education is all about a way of life for children and adults. Children may not always listen to what we say, but they will believe what we do. This is precisely why a community that recognizes and promotes the Six Pillars of Character makes a great place to live, work, and learn.

The Cypress Police Department encourages everyone to adopt, teach and utilize the Six Pillars of Character. This work will create a community where all citizens personally and collectively embrace the principle that CHARACTER COUNTS!

Children Are Our Future…

Children are 27% of our population, but 100% of our future. Character education is everyone’s responsibility. We need YOU to get involved by becoming a supporter of CHARACTER COUNTS! CHARACTER COUNTS! is not intended to replace other ongoing programs in the community, or elsewhere. Simply put, the goal of CHARACTER COUNTS! is to encourage community involvement in developing citizens of good character.

How Can You Be Involved?

The Cypress Police Department is in the conceptualization phase of the CHARACTER COUNTS! program and is moving towards implementing the program throughout the Cypress community in the very near future.

Once implemented, CHARACTER COUNTS! will provide community leadership for the development of character education to schools, churches, businesses, athletic leagues and other community groups. We will strive to create an increased awareness about the importance of good character and basic values in our society. The program will by no means be just for children. It will be provided through out the city and involve all members of the community, from the police employees to city employees, to the school district and business community. Anyone is welcome to participate in CHARACTER COUNTS!

Parent and Community Involvement

Extending CHARACTER COUNTS! into the community is a goal of the Cypress Police Department. Community support is an asset in carrying the message throughout our city.

Six Pillars of Character

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

Helpful Tips for Parents

Below are helpful tips for parents to help children learn to be trustworthy, respectful, responsible, fair, caring, and a good citizen from Parents, Kids and Character: 21 Strategies to Help Your Children Develop Character, by Dr. Helen R. LeGette:

• Be clear about your values. Tell your children where you stand on important issues. Good character is taught and caught. If we want children to internalize the virtues that we value, we need to teach them what we believe and why. In the daily living of our lives, there are countless opportunities to engage children in moral conversation.
• Refuse to cover for your children or make excuses for their inappropriate behavior. Shielding children and youth from the logical consequences of their actions fails to teach them personal responsibility. It also undermines social customs and laws by giving them the impression that they are somehow exempt from the regulations that govern others' behavior.
• Show respect for your spouse, your children, and other family members. Parents who honor each other, who share responsibilities, and resolve differences in peaceful ways communicate a powerful message of respect. Respect begets respect...and children notice.
• Don't provide your children access to alcohol or drugs. Model appropriate behavior. Nowhere is the parents' personal example more critical than in this area, and the family is the most powerful influence on whether or not a young person will become a substance abuser.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at (714)229-6626 or visit the CHARACTER COUNTS! website at www.CharacterCounts.org The definition of the Six Pillars of Character are used with the permission of the Josephson Institute.