2003 Newsletters
December 2003
More Than Just a Business— The goal at Custom Mortgage is to help people fulfill the American Dream. And person by person, they are doing just that.
What Will You Give?— Are you shopping for the holidays? Think of the things that you can do that might mean more than a toy to a child.
The Dare of the Year— Changing the world is a big task. So consider yourself dared to do it!
Compassion in Action— There are three primary types of needs in the world. What can you do to fulfill them?
On the Roof— Comforting others calls for carefully-chosen words.
Download Complete December Issue (202k pdf)
November 2003
A Boundless Culture— "The great thing about a character emphasis program is that it knows no bounds as far as industry goes." --Dana Byers, Foundation Surgery Affiliates
Don't Give Up— Do children ever learn? How a group of teachers discovered that yes, children can learn character.
Extra! Extra! Read All About It!— Promoting character through a community newsletter.
Management Manners— There's more to manners than what meets the eye.
Pride Issues— Trying to make a big impression could end up being a humiliating experience.
Download Complete November Issue (146k pdf)
October 2003
Great Expectations— In a facility of 7,000 military personnel and 9,000 civilians, Walter Reed Medical Center is discovering that character training, at any level, makes a difference.
Caractère d'Abord!— Taking character education to the French-speaking world.
A Winning Idea— In Shipshewana Indiana, the character initiative is well received at the annual Mayfest Parade.
What Leaders Need to Know— Leaders need more than technical expertise and mental aptitude to succeed.
Download Complete October Issue (238k pdf)
September 2003
How to Hire the Best Employees— In California, Goleta Water District is learning how hiring for character instead of skills can maximize employee effectiveness and lower turnover rates.
Keeping a Character Focus in School—Whether beginning a character focus or reinforcing an already existing one, three simple steps can transform your perspective at school or at home.
Character Takes on a New Sphere— When Chaplain Argyl Dick began a character emphasis among the juveniles of Oklahoma County Jail, he didn't know that it would lead to Character First! in jails nationwide.
Leadership Land Mines—Every leader is faced with three carefully disguised, but devastating traps into which they must not fall, at the peril of their character.
Download Complete September Issue (105k pdf)
August 2003
When Employees Take the Lead with Character, Exciting Results Happen— A character emphasis, begun almost four years ago by a supervisor and a manager at Pfizer Memphis Logistics Center, makes a difference in harmony and cohesiveness among workers.
Character Education Training Made Even Easier—The all-new Teacher Orientation Seminar on video for elementary and secondary schools combines the experience of hundreds of educators from around the world who have successfully used the Character First! program.
Character, Key to Strong Communities— The Northeastern Oklahoma Character Cities (NEOCC) association has motivated cities to unite around common goals in order to create a better community and a better state.
Defining Purpose—We may be well educated, fully equipped, and have a great number of resources at our disposal, yet if we lack purpose, it is all in vain.
Download Complete August Issue (95k pdf)
July 2003
Character is Key for Those Who Care—Where trust is critical, and morale a constant challenge, character training makes a difference.
Putting Patriotism Into Practice—Citizens find practical ways to recognize character in our nation.
Uniting Communities— How to sustain a character emphasis in every sector of your community.
Calibrating Character—Is your character calibrated to a standard that will lead you and those following you to a truly successful life?
Download Complete July Issue (82k pdf)
June 2003
Making a Great Business Even Better—Why would a company with excellent employees and work environment want to begin a character program? See what one CEO has to say.
Young People Setting the Pace!—Students provide positive influence to their peers through character clubs.
How to Take Your City's Character Emphasis to the Next Level— Through a variety of means, Character Councils are sustaining momentum through broadened public awareness.
Abounding Security—The young kangaroo knows where to find security. After a childhood well-protected by the care of its mother, the joey grows into a large and powerful animal.
Download Complete June Issue (118k pdf)
May 2003
Business Impacts Community—His hope is not to simply make better people for a half-hour at work during a meeting, but that character would affect his employees in their everyday lives. As a result, his vision has spread and is transforming an entire community.
Relentless Power—Every year, the long bitter winter makes staying alive a challenge. Yet this animal is able to live each day because of its relentless and fearless quest for survival.
A Worthwhile Investment—"I love spending time with the students," one volunteer declared. "It's neat to be able to give something back to the community, and focusing on character will help these kids for the rest of their lives."
Character in the Military—Countless pressures face America's military. Pressure to protect the homeland. Pressure to keep good relations between nations. Pressure to demonstrate good character.
Download Complete May Issue (106k pdf)
April 2003
Praising for Character Boosts Morale—Pezold Management Corporation, based in Columbus, Georgia, has been implementing Character First! in their corporation for over one year. They now provide almost 1400 bulletins each month to their supervisors and employees.
Careful on the Prairie—Prairie dog communities depend on each other to keep a watchful eye for danger. Only an early warning and effective retreat give any hope of surviving in time of danger.
When Disaster Strikes—It is easy to show good character when life goes well, but it is during difficult times that our true colors come through.
A Creative Community of Character—The Orangeburg County Community of Character was established in June of 2000 with a goal of positively impacting every sector in the community. From designing their own logo to now publishing their first book, Orangeburg County is becoming a dynamic Community of Character.
Download Complete April Issue (84k pdf)
March 2003
Hiring for Character Reduces Employee Turnover—After a year of focusing on character in the hiring process, Hancock Memorial Hospital in Greenfield, Indiana, has seen a 13% drop in turnover.
Simple Happiness—The deer mouse is just a simple animal, happy to be what it is and making the most of what it has. How hard do you find it to be happy with your surroundings?
Parent Presentations—Like any other subject, character education requires teachers and parents to work together in order to be successful. Encourage parental support by presenting character lessons that students have studied throughout the year.
Families of Character—"It will make your family a family that will have relationships forever." This is just one quote from individuals all across America who are excited about the newly introduced Character Family Seminar.
Download Complete March Issue (139k pdf)
February 2003
Visible Character—The leadership at the First Caribbean National Bank in Nassau, Bahamas wants to encourage each employee toward success. The best way to make that happen, they believe, is to instill good character into their business.
Flexible Flier—Gram for gram, the hummingbird has the highest energy output of all warm-blooded animals. By nimbly adapting to the situations it encounters, the hummingbird is able to reach its goals.
Honoring Our Heritage—The month of February offers several occasions to honor America's history. As you highlight these individuals, help children see how good character is foundational to success
Nation of Character—"This is good! This is exactly what I want!" responded an enthusiastic mayor at the first International Cities of Character Conference.
Download Complete February Issue (99k pdf)
January 2003
Dynamic Law Enforcement—Day in and day out they see the rough side of life-the drugs, the violence, the hurting people. What's a law enforcement agency to do?
Why Character?—The results of building character may not be immediately apparent—but the effects will reach generations.
A New Perspective—As the oldest school district in Oklahoma City, Crooked Oak has an ongoing history of striving for excellence. Two years ago, they began a character initative with the goal of achieving greater excellence.