March 2008

Mother's Sacrifice

When Anita's puppy jumped from the pickup and broke its hip, Anita's mother drove her two children and the puppy 50 miles to the veterinarian in 45 minutes.

Impressed by his mother's driving, Anita's brother said, "I didn't know you liked the dog that much."

His mother said, "I don't...but I love Anita."

Invest what is necessary to comfort others in their times of need.

Compassion at Work

Compassion is not an emotion to be indulged around the holidays. A compassionate person notices others' needs day in and day out.

Recognize when a coworker is struggling, and identify ways you can help.
Do not let busyness keep you from having real conversations.
When a coworker calls in sick, ask if the family needs anything.
Notice when a coworker is overwhelmed, and find out why.
Do not talk about problems with anyone not part of the problem or the solution.
Work with others despite their recurring hang-ups.
Remember your responsibility to show compassion, not "solve" others' problems.

Many have heard the story of the Samaritan man who stopped to help a bleeding traveler beside the road. Risking his own safety, the Samaritan treated the man's wounds, transported him to the nearest care facility, and even paid his expenses. Now hospitals bear his name, and those who stop to aid strangers are called "Good Samaritans."

Some might not realize the Samaritan and the injured man were from different races and religions. The Samaritan could have looked at the wounded man as an enemy, or he could have joined those who saw the mess and crossed to the far side of the road. Instead, he saw a person who needed help, and he did what needed to be done.

Rekindle a sense of humanity and caring. Look past apparent differences, and see true needs. Invest yourself-your time, your resources, your life-to benefit others.

Give Wisely

"Give a man a fish, and you have fed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you have fed him for a lifetime." -Author Unknown

True compassion tries to improve the person, not just the moment. Give time and resources wisely so that you make a lasting difference.

Get advice from a trusted friend before giving large amounts of money, time, or effort.
Determine whether the person in need wants your help and whether he or she is willing to change destructive habits.
Help others reach independence by teaching them character and skills.
Do not fuel addictions by giving money to someone who will spend it on alcohol or other drugs.
If someone pressures you, respond by saying, "I can't do that," or "I need to think about it first."

Communicate

Different individuals prefer different types of appreciation. Some feel most encouraged by a gift or an act of service. Others appreciate kind words or a written note. Others enjoy spending quality time together.

One way to discern how a person likes to receive appreciation is to analyze how that person shows appreciation to others. For example, a mother who tends to give gifts probably enjoys receiving gifts. A son who frequently serves others would likely appreciate someone helping him. Some family members might like new clothes; others might want you to fold clothes.

Study how family members like to be appreciated. List the names of each person in your family, and try to match each family member with one of the "Ways to Communicate" below.

Ways to Communicate:

Verbal appreciation
Spending time together
Written notes
Special gifts
Acts of service

The next time someone needs encouragement, try doing what will mean the most.

Learn more about compassion in the student guide, teacher guide, or character bulletin.

Character in the News

Teach character first, content second

—Mar 03, 2008; Mercury News, Silicon Valley

"... The reason is that all of these "fixes" assume that the student is a product, something to be built, tested and packaged for use. They overlook the two most critical things that matter in education: that character is more important than content..." Read more»

Winning Team - Character Recognition

—Mar 02, 2008; The Times and Democrat, Orangeburg County, SC

"... "The Community of Character program is one of the most important programs we have ... because it says that we feel responsible for our children as a community. I like the idea that the community is involved in helping children to reach their potent..." Read more»

Seminar discusses promoting character in the workplace

—Feb 28, 2008; Opelika-Auburn News, Alabama

"...Praise pays. Companies that acknowledge good character qualities in employees can reap the benefits in a variety of ways, including increased production, boosted morale, reduced absenteeism and better customer relations. hat was just one of the character-..." Read more»

Building character behind prison walls

—Feb 23, 2008; The Oklahoman, Oklahoma City

"...Assaults are down. Common courtesy is on the rise. That's what matters when Warden Millicent Newton-Embry looks out on the yard at Mabel Bassett Correctional Center these days. ... During the correctional center's recent family day gathering,..." Read more»