Schools, families and community organizations are encouraged to join a global conversation on the importance of character on Sept. 26.
State Superintendent Tom Torlakson is among those championing the fifth annual Character Day, hosted by Let it Ripple film studio and numerous partners. The initiative provides specialized guides for K-12 schools and universities, along with links to short films, discussion kits, a Periodic Table of Character Strengths poster and a list of 10 ways to cultivate character.
To tie the local conversations together, there will also be an online Q&A that day featuring leading experts discussing character traits such as resilience, grit, empathy, courage and kindness. Materials, which will be available after the event, will be evidence-based, incorporating research on neuroscience, mindfulness and other fields.
Character Day is grant-funded, meaning there’s no cost to participate, and we would add that it pairs nicely with OCDE’s own One Billion Acts of Kindness campaign. In fact, organizers stress that Character Day activities can be adapted to fit any group, space or time of day. Last year, more than 133,000 events were held in 150 countries and all 50 states.
For more information on Character Day, or to sign up, visit www.letitripple.org/character-day.