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Who is CHARACTER COUNTS! Nashville?

CHARACTER COUNTS! Nashville is a nonprofit 501(c)(3), nonpartisan, nonsectarian organization, which believes that there are certain enduring and universal truths that define the essence of good character.

The Six Pillars of Character

Trustworthiness
Respect
Responsibility
Fairness
Caring
Citizenship

Through an affiliation with the Josephson Institute of Ethics, CHARACTER COUNTS! Nashville establishes partnerships with schools, governmental agencies, businesses, sports organizations and other nonprofits in Middle Tennessee.

Mission Statement

The mission of CHARACTER COUNTS! Nashville is to elevate the ethical behavior of children and adults in their everyday life through character education programs and activities.

Governance

CHARACTER COUNTS! Nashville is overseen by a Board of Directors, composed of diverse individuals from the Middle Tennessee community.

How We Work

CHARACTER COUNTS! Nashville seeks to enhance the ethical quality of individual and organizational conduct and behavior by presentations, keynote addresses, panels, workshops, consulting seminars and on-site training. CHARACTER COUNTS! Nashville provides resources and materials in the form of publications, newsletters, videos, posters, and placards.

Clients/ Users of CHARACTER COUNTS! Nashville

Sheriff's Department
Solomon Builders
SouthTrust Bank
Chase Construction
Elementary Schools
Metropolitan Police Academy

Pre-School Educators
Woodbine Community Center
Trucker's Lighthouse
Belmont Community Center
Sony ATV Publishing
Church Groups
Woodmont Christian
Antioch Church of Christ
Boys and Girls Club of Middle Tennessee
Belmont Business Camp

Character Education Legislation and Guidance

T.C.A. 49-6-1007(a). Character Education - (a) The course of instruction in all public schools shall include character education to help each student develop positive values and improve student conduct as students learn to act in harmony with their positive values and learn to become good citizens in their school, community, and society.

Through a collaborative effort between home, school and the community, character education guides students in developing positive ideals and good habits that will improve behavior, school climate, and ultimately academic performance. Students are provided opportunity and example for becoming conscientious and productive citizens in their school, community and nation. By integrating character traits like caring, respect, responsibility, trustworthiness, citizenship and fairness into all areas of the school experience, students will gain better self-awareness and the desire to become more socially responsible.

Effective character education creates a circle of trust and respect among students, school staff, parents and the community. All should make every effort to encourage individual good as well as common good.