Character First!

May 2008 Newsletter

New Bulletins Coming!

The monthly character bulletin format will have a new look next month! Download a sample and subscribe today if you don't already receive bulletins each month.

Beginning June 1, subscribers will receive access to the new online library with bonus videos, stories, teaching tips, family resources, posters, and more! Take a tour at http://members.characterfirst.com/tour/.


Seeing the Obvious

A man was concerned about a loud clunking sound when he drove around corners, and he had his mechanic look at it for a day.

The mechanic made a right turn and heard a clunk. Then he made a left turn and again heard a clunk.

Back at the shop, the mechanic opened the trunk and wrote the following instructions for the owner: "Remove bowling ball from trunk."


Seeds of Corruption

The Greeks made the first attempt at democracy, created dazzling architecture, and produce an impressive list of philosophers. But corruption eventually undermined its government, its business, and the lives of its citizens, and it became susceptible to foreign attack.

The Roman Empire conquered and organized the known world. Its citizens enjoyed prosperity and power. But today historians look back on "The Rise and the Fall of the Roman Empire."

The ancient Incas developed brain surgery, built sophisticated water works, and built great cities and roads. Then power struggles and civil conflict weakened the empire.

Without character, even great societies fall. Reject corruption, and build a foundation of good character.


For Teens—Show Respect

A wise person realizes he or she does not know everything and knows there is much to learn from others' experiences and perspectives.

Get the Picture

Those older than you, including your teachers and parents, have more wisdom and experience than you have. Accept their advice and instruction. When your parents tell you to be home at a certain time or your teacher makes you correct an assignment, cooperate.

You think differently now than you did five years ago. In five more years, you will think differently than you do today. Think about the difference twenty or thirty years could make! This is the perspective that your teachers and parents have. Be wise, and learn from them.

Practice Respect
There are many ways to show respect. Look at others when they speak to you. Stay calm when you do not agree with someone. Do not argue, stomp out of the room, slam the door, or throw a fit. Clarify and express your concerns, and then try to understand.


For Kids—Little Choices

A wise person knows the truth and puts it into practice every day!

Imagine a jar full of marbles. Every time you make a good decision, it is like adding a marble to the jar. The more good decisions you make, the "wiser" you become. Each wrong or foolish decision is like taking a marble out.

Every choice is important, including the friends you make, the books you read, the programs you watch, and how you spend your free time.

Apply good character to every decision!


Education and Sharing Day, U.S.A, 2008

A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America

A hopeful society helps ensure that its citizens develop the character, knowledge, and skills they need to succeed. On Education and Sharing Day, we underscore our dedication to encouraging our Nation's youth to build a solid foundation for a lifetime of accomplishment.

Education and Sharing Day pays tribute to the unique efforts of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the Lubavitcher Rebbe. The Rebbe helped create numerous education and outreach centers, which continue to provide social service programs and humanitarian aid at home and around the globe.

On this day and throughout the year, we encourage our children to set high goals, make the right choices, and put character first. By instilling respect, responsibility, civic duty, compassion, and honesty in our youth, we can help more of our citizens realize the great promise of America.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 16, 2008, as Education and Sharing Day, U.S.A. I call upon government officials, educators, volunteers, and all the people of the United States to reach out to young people and work to create a better, brighter, and more hopeful future for all.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifteenth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-second.

GEORGE W. BUSH

Proclamation Source: http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/04/20080416-2.html

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