We must ensure that we are working together to make our communities stronger and build character in our children. Alan Heisterkamp, from Sioux City, serves as an education consultant and researcher with the Waitt Institute for Violence Prevention. He focuses on understanding attitudes and behaviors of students in order to prevent violence and bullying. Here are some of his thoughts:

Working Together to Make Our Communities Stronger and Build Character

Many things speak directly about the quality of our character and the measure of our integrity. What we think and believe internally about those who are different from us displays this. How we act and behave towards others in times of triumph or defeat and what we say or do to lift up or tear down others shows the quality of our character. 

I support the mission and focus of CHARACTER COUNTS! because I believe in the importance of investing in the moral and ethical development of our youth and citizenry. Individuals, young and old alike, are constantly faced with the challenge of practicing and exercising many different character qualities. For example, good judgment, positive expressions and words of kindness, acts of fairness, responsible citizenship, and respect for all. Yet, we recognize the undeniable truth that we are all capable of falling short in reaching and maintaining these expectations with peers, family members, strangers, and co-workers.

None of us are finished products and remain vulnerable to committing mistakes along the way. However, we all have the responsibility of working together to make relationships, families, schools, and communities safe, healthy, and respectful. CHARACTER COUNTS! reminds all of us that living up to the expectations as defined by the Six Pillars of Character is a choice we make everyday, with everyone, in every situation.