Character First!

April 2008 Newsletter

Who Won?

Two ladies once quarreled over an orange. After arguing over who needed it more, who had it first, and who first decided to buy it, they agreed to split the orange in half.

The first lady ate the fruit and threw the peel away. The second lady tossed the fruit and used the peel in a recipe.

If they had communicated more clearly, both ladies could have received a whole orange. Learn to start a conversation instead of provoking contention.


Written Communication

Persuasiveness looks for the most effective way to communicate a message. Sometimes oral communication is appropriate; sometimes a letter, memo, or written proposal works better.

Writing out your thoughts can help you:

  • Organize ideas.
  • Choose words more carefully.
  • Check for inaccuracies.
  • Ensure you do not overlook important details.
  • Complete a thought without being interrupted.
  • Give readers time to consider a matter before responding.
  • Record ideas for future reference.
  • Reach a larger audience.


Patrick Henry

Born in 1736, Patrick Henry grew up on his family's farm. He was gifted in logic and oratory and passed the Virginia bar exam after studying for six weeks. At the age of 29, Henry was elected to the Virginia House of Burgesses.

As tensions with the British grew, Patrick believed his colony needed to defend itself against the growing British military presence. On March 23, 1775, Henry presented his case to the House of Burgesses.

"We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth," Henry said. "For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it might cost, I am willing to know that whole truth." Henry concluded, "Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death!"

Read more about Henry's "Liberty or Death" speech in the Persuasiveness Bulletin. Stand for what is right by communicating truth as clearly as you can.


Friendly Persuasion

Identify the roadblocks that cloud a person's thinking, and find the truth to overcome each roadblock.

If a friend believes "everyone else is cheating" or "my teacher won't care," persuasiveness might respond:

  1. "Not everyone else is cheating. I'm not cheating, and neither is Joe."
  2. "The teacher does care when someone cheats. Cheating only keeps you from learning."
  3. "Do you want to become a cheat and a liar or someone others can trust?"


For Kids

Have you ever tripped over something you did not see? Persuasiveness is like shining a flashlight to help others see where they are walking.

You can practice persuasiveness by encouraging others to do what is right. You cannot force others to change, but you can appeal to their consciences and set a good example.

If your friends plan to do something wrong, "shine the light" on their decision and encourage them to do what is right.


City Shows Character Through Compassion

By Mary Beth Pritchard, March 1, 2008, reprinted with permission

Prattville, Alabama builds a "Community of Character" by showing compassion.

Compassion, "investing whatever is necessary to heal the hurts of others," was the character trait for the month of March. What timing….

In the aftermath of the tornado on February 17, the residents of Prattville have witnessed many acts of kindness and expressions of compassion. Volunteers have honored residents affected by the storm, giving numerous hours of their time to assist with clean-up efforts. Businesses have also come to the aid of our citizens by providing resources for the cleanup: rakes, shovels, gloves, boxes, cleaning supplies, and meals to the needy and the workers. Churches and local organizations provided the much needed moral support and counsel, as well as physical space and financial support when possible.

A local shelter was established for families whose homes had been destroyed, but it closed because no one showed up to stay the night. So where were those families? With you—their neighbors, friends, and relatives!

Everyone from city officials right down to the errand people have contributed and pulled together in a way that exemplifies what a "Community of Character" looks like. Thank you Prattville!

The Prattville Autauga Character Coalition spotlights one character trait a month to make the public aware how character development starts on a personal level and impacts everyone in the community. To find out more about the Character Coalition "Visions of Character" and how to start a character development initiative within your business, organization, or simply within your sphere of influence, contact Mary Beth Pritchard, Executive Director, at pacharacter@att.net.