CHARACTER COUNTS! is the nation's most widely used character educations framework. Over 500 national and regional organizations have joined in the CHARACTER COUNTS! Coalition committed to teaching, enforcing, advocating and modeling its Six Pillars of Character: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship.

While national Coalition accomplishments are extensive, the most significant achievements occur at the local level, when a community or school surrounds a child with purposeful, pervasive, repetitive, concrete, creative and consistent efforts to embrace and promote the Six Pillars.

CHARACTER COUNTS! is for communities and schools that want to create a climate where good character thrives due to consciousness of, commitment to and competency in ethical behavior. Visit charactercounts.org for more information.

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 community

RESPECT Treat others with respect • Follow the golden rule • Be tolerant of differences • Use good manners, not bad language • Be considerate of others • Don't threaten, hit or hurt anyone • Deal peacefully with anger, insults and disagreements

RESPONSIBILITY Do what you're supposed to do • Persevere: keep on trying • 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 part to improve your school and community • Protect the environment • Cooperate • Stay informed • Vote • Be a good neighbor • Obey laws and rules • Respect authority