Character First
What is a City of Character?
Do you remember when or remember hearing about when no one locked home or car doors, when a person's word was as good as a signed contract, when children could walk to school without their mothers worrying if they would make it safely? To most people today, such concepts belong to the past - but it does not have to be that way. House keys and alarm systems are unnecessary if citizens RESPECT one another's private property. Lawsuits over breach of contract would be unheard-of if TRUTHFULNESS were pervasive. Children could skip down city sidewalks unattended if the general populace had INTEGRITY.
The City of Sumter and many others within the Sumter Community are well on their way to becoming Character First Businesses, Industries and Families. Join the City of Sumter employees in making our community a "City of Character".
Character of the Month: What is BENEVOLENCE?
BENEVOLENCE: Giving to others' basic needs without having as my motive personal reward
*Give sincerely
*Show concern
*Accept others' contributions to your life
*Keep commitments
Benefit others, even when they cannot benefit you in return
CHARACTER MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE
What do you picture when you hear the words "City of Character"? We have grown so accustomed to accommodating the lack of character in our society that we can hardly imagine life any other way.
Practically speaking, a City of Character is one in which the elected officials, community leaders, and citizens-at-large recognize the importance of good character. Everyone works together to ensure that families are strong, homes and streets are safe, education is effective, business if productive, neighbors care about one another, and citizens are free to make wise choices for their lives and families. In a City of Character, undisciplined living is socially unacceptable, and an emphasis is placed upon an individual's responsibility for his or her words, actions and attitudes. Most importantly, a City of Character has leaders who are models of the character they advocate for its citizens.
THE PURPOSE IS TO INTEGRATE CHARACTER INTO THE CULTURE OF OUR CITY
The Character City concept involves focusing the attention of the community on the importance of character by emphasizing one character quality per month. Character is developed through training in schools, churches, businesses, government and the media. Sumter must become a City of Character to grow and be a model City in the future.
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR PROGRAM OR HOW TO BECOME A SPONSOR... PLEASE CONTACT Sumter... A Character City.
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