Our Attributes  |  Live  |  Learn  |  Work  |  Play
 


  • January’s Character Attribute is OPTIMISIM

    I will maintain a positive attitude, look on the brighter side of situations and seek opportunities in the face of adversity.

    WHAT IS OPTIMISM?

    • OPTIMISM is being too noble for anger.
    • OPTIMISM is being too strong for fear.
    • OPTIMISM is being too large for worry.
    • OPTIMISM is being too happy to permit the presence of trouble.


  • 6th Annual Character Community Awards

    The Foundation's signature event is our Celebration of Character, which recognizes exemplary character in individuals and businesses across York Region. This year we will honour nominees in 15 catagories.

    Once again this year we are pleased to have PowerStream as our Presenting sponsor.

    We thank our nominators and  sponsors for being "Character activists" and for proving that character does matter.

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    Character Community Week

    Our 2012 Character week will be held from October 22 to 27.

    Our Character Week activities showcase our work with our various partners all across York Region, and remind people that great communities are created by the people who live, learn, work, and play in them.

    To view some of the 2011 activities click here for more info.


  • 2011 Annual General Meeting

    On June 8, 2011, we celebrated our 10th Anniversary with our Character Council, partners and interested members at the AGM.

    Chief Eric Jolliffe spoke on how Character affects our community of York Region, and Lina Bigioni brought greetings on behalf of Chair Bill Fisch.

    As well, we swore in six new Council members who will assist us in the work we do for the term spanning 2011 to 2013.

January's attribute is OPTIMISM.

I will maintain a positive attitude, look on the brighter side of situations and seek opportunities in the face of adversity.

WHAT IS OPTIMISM?
OPTIMISM is being too noble for anger.


OPTIMISM is being too strong for fear.


OPTIMISM is being too large for worry.


OPTIMISM is being too happy to permit the presence of trouble.

Learn more.

“My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we’ll change the world.”

Jack Layton (1950-2011)

2012 Awards Nominations forms are now available. Click here for more info.

NEW News

Our 6th Annual York Region Character Community Awards nominations are now open for submisson.

Forms are available for online submissions or for hard copy printing. Click here to view our categories.

Our 2012 Character Calendar offer is now available for a limited time. Click here for more info.

Well Worth the Read. The Content of our Character- The Huffington Post

LIVE

The Character Community has leaders of all fields who are models of the character attributes they advocate for their citizens.

Elected officials; leaders in the education, business, and faith communities; members of the law enforcement and media sectors; and citizens-at-large all recognize and promote the importance of good character.

Everyone works together to ensure that families are strong, homes and streets are safe, education is effective, business is productive, neighbours care about one another, and citizens are free to make wise choices for their lives and families.

More info...

LEARN

The Character Community plays an important role in the elementary and secondary levels of the School Boards of York Region and the York Catholic District.

It is already making a difference: Schools are reporting that staff, students, and parents are now naturally using the Character Attributes as familiar topics. Teachers are noting that, overall, behaviour is changing for the better: improved courtesy and attendance, with an increase in activities demonstrating caring for others, both on and off school property.

More info...

WORK

The Character Commuity also has a significant role and value in the business community, encouraging companies to:

  • Identify what the business  stands for
  • Establish ethical business practices
  • Emphasize customer service
  • Foster employees of strong character
  • Develop positive character in business leaders
  • Give back to their community
All employees and management should be honest, polite, and take pride in their achievements.

More info...

PLAY

The Character Community embraces:

The True Sport Principles for Community

  • Recognize sport as a valuable community asset
  • Champion ethical conduct
  • Promote inclusion
  • Strengthen connections
  • Support excellence
  • Foster healthy, active lifestyles
  • Create safe and welcoming environments
  • Celebrate contribution

More info...