Character Counts In Elmhurst

Character Counts! is a nationwide coalition being adopted by the Elmhurst community to advocate core ethical values through the "Six Pillars of Character" - namely Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring and Citizenship. Character Counts IN Elmhurst seeks to integrate these pillars of character into our government, schools, sports programs, religious institutions, and businesses.

How did Character Counts get started in Elmhurst?
Early conversation among Tom Borchert, City Manager. Tom Marcucci, Mayor, and Joel Morris Superintendent of District 205, established a mutual interest in exploring Character Counts as a city-wide initiative. Mr. Borchert also spoke with Rich Grodsky, Park District, Marilyn Boria, Elmhurst Public Library, Leo Fronza, Elmhurst Hospital, Bryan Cureton, Elmhurst College, Chris Tointon, YMCA and Michael Toburen, Pastor. In a January 23, 2003 memo to the Mayor and City Council, Mr. Borchert indicated that there appeared to be widespread intergovernmental, institutional, faith community, and not-for-profit support for the endeavor.

Steve Neubauer, Police Chief, Jim Doherty, Deputy Chief, and Cheryl Kopecky, Assistant Superintendent at District 205, organized an infonnational meeting on May 7, 2003 inviting individuals in the community who were active in making Elmhurst a wonderful place to live. Over 70 individuals attended the meeting and expressed considerable enthusiasm about the Character Counts initiative.

What is Character Counts?
Character Counts is a nationwide coalition being adopted by our community to advocate core ethical values through the Six Pillars of Character - namely trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship. The Character Counts initiative seeks to integrate these pillars of character into our government, schools, sports programs, religious institutions, and businesses. The goal is for all of our citizens to know, understand, and implement these six pillars in their daily lives and interactions with every person they encounter. You can learn more about this program at the national website: www.charactercounts.org.

How can I participate?
Your $15 annual membership in Character Counts IN Elmhurst will support the community-wide effort by providing training for educators and community spokespersons, and for marketing and publicity materials. For a $25 annual membership, you will receive a "Six Pillars of Character" decal to display proudly as a Character Counts supporter. Businesses can support the coalition with a $100 annual donation or can help at higher levels by sponsoring an event or training for one or more individuals.

What activities have taken place so far?
Following the May 7, 2003 informational meeting, interested individuals were asked to participate in the Character Counts IN Elmhurst Coalition. This group has held three meetings and attracted nearly 40 representatives from the schools, park district, YMCA, police, service clubs, youth groups, as well as businesses and residents. The Coalition has approved bylaws and has established a Board of Directors, and committees have been formed to handle Finance, Governance, Education, and Marketing. The Finance Committee has drafted a budget and is planning for fund raising.

The Education Committee held a two-day training session on August 6 & 7, 2003 to develop an in-depth understanding of Character Counts The August training participants were primarily teachers as well as other community leaders. Additional training sessions are anticipated later in the year.

Character Counts IN Elmhurst hosted a "Kickoff" program on October 21, 2003 for community and school leaders in conjunction with the Red Ribbon Week Breakfast. The program was videotaped for broadcast on cable television channel 6 in November.

How can you help spread the Character Counts message?
The Character Counts IN Elmhurst Speaker's Bureau will offer presentations for business and community gatherings to explain the Character Counts philosophy and, more specifically, the Elmhurst initiatives.

If you have questions, or to arrange a speaker for your group, please call the Character Counts IN Elmhurst voice mailbox at 630/516-8869 and leave a detailed message. A volunteer will return your call shortly.