2001 Newsletters
December 2001
A Solid Foundation—Castle Nursing Homes, Inc., has seen employee turnover drop by half since implementing Character First! They have increased their already strong impact in their community through a character emphasis.
Self-Control Counts Down—An ambitious astronaut’s dreams were shattered before him. Rather than getting angry or quitting, he responded with self-control, went on to pursue his dreams, and saw them fulfilled 16 years later.
Making the Most of Your Holiday—Utilize every opportunity to teach important lessons in character to your family, and make memories in the process!
Caracter Uno!—The residents of Antigua, Guatemala, have purposed to make their city the best that it can be. They see a character emphasis as a giant leap in accomplishing this goal.
Download Complete December Issue (61k pdf)
November 2001
Character Rates First—Edmond Medical Center views health care as an avenue to benefit the community. The entire staff is committed to communicating their genuine concern for each patient.
Initiative Flies High—The “American Ace of Aces” in World War I achieved high acclaim, due in large part to the initiative he demonstrated in every situation.
Strengthening Families in Malaysia—Government leaders, teachers, parents, and social workers in Malaysia are excited about strengthening its families through a character emphasis.
Pulling Together—Drayton Valley, Alberta, passed a resolution to become the first Character City in Canada, with a stated intention to become a model city for the entire nation.
Download Complete November Issue (115k pdf)
October 2001
Civic Organizations Make a Difference—Aiken, South Carolina, hosts an annual event called “Celebration of Character,” where teachers, families, and friends nominate and recognize students who have displayed exemplary character.
Patience—Not Such a Big Deal—Often, patience is simply a matter of perspective. Expand your focus—and your capacity for patience.
Setting the Tone for Success—A computer processing organization has discovered the difference between a character emphasis endeavoring to produce workers that serve the company better, and one that builds up the success of each employee.
Raising the Standard—Amid disheartened troops and intense battle, a colonel picked up the fallen standard and led the way to victory. You, too, can raise the standard in your sphere of influence.
Download Complete October Issue (117k pdf)
September 2001
Strengthening Relationships for Information Services—At the beginning of each year, every employee at Parsons IS chooses three character qualities they desire to develop and defines specific ways to develop those traits.
The Responsibility Is Mine—Properly used, having the word “Mine” in one’s vocabulary conveys a willingness to accept responsibility for projects, assignments, and mistakes.
The Influence of Mentors—High school students in Deer Park, Texas are experiencing the excitement of investing in others.
Character Training for the Whole Community—An community-wide Character First! training is an effective step to begin integrating character into a community and increasing character awareness.
Download Complete September Issue (150k pdf)
August 2001
How Can a Leader Influence Good Character?—Leaders share how they have communicated that character is a high priority in their community.
Strengthen Your Team With Honor—An incredible solution to a team’s struggles and failures is to make the coach as successful as possible.
Preparing to Be a “School of Character”—Schools nationwide are discovering the benefits of a character emphasis. Teachers recognize that they must build character themselves before they expect it in their students.
Selling Steel With Character—Perfileros, a construction supply company in Mexico, is determined to make character training a lifestyle, not just a program.
Download Complete August Issue (140k pdf)
July 2001
Autocraft Gearing Up—Autocraft Industries in Oklahoma City has identified the qualities required to support the company’s value statement.
Joyfulness that Sticks—Happiness is an emotion we try to gain, but joyfulness is a quality we can develop. Joyfulness depends on the decisions we make and the perspective that we choose.
A New Twist for Parks and Recreation—From day camps to swimming to the other fun summer activities on your calendar, purpose to focus on character development in every situation.
Making a Difference in Our Communities—Citizens and corporations are joining forces to strengthen families and support good values.
Download Complete July Issue (109k pdf)
June 2001
What Can You Do for Your Community?—Beginning a character council committed to building character in each aspect of your community is a significant way to make your area known for character.
Benevolence–Living Right-Side Up—Transform your world by purposing to show voluntary, unconditional benevolence to others.
Thriving in a Tight Labor Market—For the past four years, Airtron, Inc. in Indianapolis has been hiring and training for character—and seeing incredible results.
What’s Happening in Your Library?—Many libraries have discovered the potential of including a character emphasis in existing summer reading programs or other activities.
Download Complete June Issue (114k pdf)
May 2001
Virtue: The Influence of Proven Character—Elijah Lovejoy faced dangerous circumstances and daunting challenges, but he purposed to speak out against the wrong issues of his day—and helped change the course of history.
Workforce Seeks More Than Skills—Nacagdoches County in Texas has recognized the need to couple skills training with a character emphasis.
Five Years in Schools—Teachers and students alike are excited about the results they have seen as they put character first.
Employee Training for Oklahoma City—Leaders throughout Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, have purposed to begin Character First! training within city government.
Download Complete May Issue (141k pdf)
April 2001
Foundation for Decisiveness—General Douglas MacArthur fulfilled his promise to return to Bataan, Philippines, and help in the battle to liberate the island.
Putting Character to Work—The management of Crown Motors has determined that the goal and rewards of character development are well worth the cost of implementation.
Character, an International Language—The principles of character do not require translation. Throughout the world, individuals, schools, organizations, cities, and countries are recognizing the need to promote character.
2001 Government Leaders’ Conference—Intent on strengthening families and building communities, 375 mayors and government leaders gathered in Flint, Michigan to gain understanding and tools for developing character.