The Six Pillars of Character®

The Six Pillars of Character from CHARACTER COUNTS! are ethical values that are easy to understand, easy to teach, and are critical to showing good character.

Trustworthiness 

• Be honest. Don’t deceive, cheat or steal. 

• Be reliable. Do what you say you’ll do.

• Have the courage to do the right thing. 

• Build a good reputation.

• Be loyal. Stand by your family, friends and country.

Respect

• Treat others with respect. Follow the Golden Rule. 

• Be tolerant of differences. 

• Use good manners, not bad language. 

• Be considerate of the feelings of others. 

• Don’t threaten, hit or hurt anyone. 

• Deal peacefully with anger, insults and disagreements.

Responsibility

• Do what you are supposed to do. 

• Persevere. Keep on trying. 

• Always do your best. 

• Use self-control. Be self-disciplined. 

• Think before you act. Consider the consequences. 

Fairness

• Play by the rules. 

• Take turns and share. 

• Be open-minded. Listen to others. 

• Don’t take advantage of others. 

• Don’t blame others carelessly.

Caring

• Be kind. 

• Be compassionate and show you care. 

• Express gratitude.

• Forgive others. 

• Help people in need.

Citizenship

• Do your share to make your community better. 

• Cooperate. 

• Stay informed. Vote. 

• Be a good neighbor. 

• Obey laws and rules. Respect authority. 

• Protect the environment. Recycle. 

Learn more at CharacterCountsInIowa.org

CHARACTER COUNTS! and the Six Pillars of Character are trademarks of the Josephson Institute.