The CHARACTER COUNTS! Coalition is a partnership of more than 500 national, regional and local organizations committed to the CHARACTER COUNTS! strategy and joined together in a collaborative effort to improve the character of young people.

The San Ramon Police Department has joined the Coalition with a belief that as a department and a community, it is our responsibility to impart the message of CHARACTER COUNTS! on the young people of San Ramon.

The message we are spreading is that of the Six Pillars of Character which is the foundation of the Coalition. The Six Pillars of Character are six core ethical values that transcend cultural, socioeconomic and religious differences. The Six Pillars have become a national standard because of wide adoption and use. The framework the Pillars provides has become the standard that permits easy collaboration among various entities and an easy to understand, readily acceptable common language for youngsters, parents and character educators

As a Coalition member and advocate of CHARACTER COUNTS!, the San Ramon CHARACTER COUNTS! Officer teaches the K-5th grade students these Pillars and why they are important. The Officer utilizes games, songs and activities that embody the message that your character counts.

Studies show that schools utilizing CHARACTER COUNTS! show a decrease in crime, drug abuse and misbehavior. The program bolsters student’s commitment to school and teachers commonly say that the whole school climate changes.

We also involve and inform parents in the CHARACTER COUNTS! message. It is important that the character development starts at home. We provide printed information and PTA meetings at the schools to let parents know what their children are learning and how they can re-enforce it.

Character development is a life long commitment. At San Ramon Police Department we are laying the foundation for tomorrow’s youth!

For more information about CHARACTER COUNTS! contact Officer Abe Medina at amedina@sanramon.ca.gov