Character Counts: New Task Force Working to Stop the Violence

By Angela Spears First Coast News

JACKSONVILLE, FL -- Think about the meaning of the words respect, responsibility, caring. Do you think these are values or traits that can create change? Gail Keith, the Executive Director of Character Counts, hopes these and other character traits can change the way people think and stop violence on the First Coast.

The organization is forming a new task force to work on stopping crime through character building. This is a grassroots group that will meet for the first time today (January 17) at noon. Members of the task force will include the sheriff as well as leaders from other agencies and businesses.

Keith says this is a new approach to fighting crime. The goal is to teach people of all ages that honesty, reliability, courtesy, respect and concern for others, matter. Keith says this is just a start. She is hoping the entire community gets involved.

Character Counts will hold workshops to teach core values like reliability and self control. Keith also believes the Golden Rule is key. (Do unto others as you'd have them do unto you.) She is hoping businesses will get involved and pass on the information. Keith knows this will not be easy and will not stop crime right away, but she says you have to start somewhere.

Character Counts has been in Jacksonville since 2000. It's a non-political and non-religious group that tries to build character through ethics training. It stands behind six pillars of character: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship.

Keith believes if people start talking about the pillars of character, change will eventually happen. She says, "You have to look inward."

For more information on Character Counts and how you can get involved, call (904)384-5501 or click on the link above.

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