Character Counts!®
CHARACTER COUNTS!® Week is October 19-25, 2025
What are the Six Pillars of Character?
Developed by The Josephson Institute in 1992, the CHARACTER COUNTS!® program is marked by six ethical hallmarks: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship—or TRRFCC ("terrific")!
- Trustworthiness: Commit to honesty and integrity. Be able to follow through.
- Respect: Treat others well. Strive for harmony, acceptance, and consideration.
- Responsibility: Take accountability for the things you say, do, or believe.
- Fairness: Be a good listener. Make ethical, informed decisions.
- Caring: Be willing to understand others. Show kindness and forgiveness.
- Citizenship: Defend the social and environmental communities to which you belong.
Why CHARACTER COUNTS!® Week Matters
Using the Six Pillars of Character, the CHARACTER COUNTS!® initiative is a model of positive social & emotional behavior that instills a commitment to lifelong kindness, curiosity, & learning in students of all ages. Through regular implementation in schools, students are encouraged to uphold values and expectations for how to grow, treat others, and make positive contributions to their community.
For adults—teachers, staff, and parents—and children alike, CHARACTER COUNTS!® Week shines a light on how to be a role model, demonstrating all the different ways to be terrific to ourselves and others. Designed as a universal guide to unite people of all backgrounds, this framework helps kids develop the skills necessary for academic, professional, and personal success throughout life.
CHARACTER COUNTS!® Week Activities
Children are curious by nature, always ready to learn and grow! Combine classroom teachings with role modeling, interactive activities, and impactful rewards for a well-rounded, fun, educational week. Here are some ideas to get you started!
- Prizes, Raffles, & Giveaways: Students earn tokens or raffle tickets each time they demonstrate good character, positively reinforcing their behavior with access to prizes like themed pencils, bracelets, bookmarks, stickers, and more.
- Education: Incorporate the Six Pillars of Character into lesson plans with activities books, grade-appropriate class discussion topics, and other educational materials.
- Fun & Games: Host exciting team-building exercises, challenges, or games that inspire collaboration, foster sportsmanship, and teach students about healthy competition.
- Community Service: Take a trip outside for a playground cleanup, engage the local community with fundraisers for a charity important to your school, or start a food drive or toy drive for children in need.