Bastrop Becomes a City of Character
March 1, 2008
Bastrop, TX – August 28, 2007 – Integrating character education into all aspects of community life is increasingly the focus in many Texas towns. On August 28, 2007 the Bastrop City Council in Texas unanimously adopted a Resolution put forth by Bastrop Mayor Tom Scott pledging “its commitment to character, and doing all in its power to become known as a City of Character by encouraging character in its homes, schools, churches, city government, businesses, media and community groups, and urges the leaders of each of these entities to do likewise”.
This pledge is a continuation of the importance Bastrop places on character education, not just in the schools, but in the entire community. It has been shown by the Journal of Research in Character Education, Texas Education Agency findings, as well as statistics from various law enforcement agencies, that effective Character Education reduces juvenile offenses and recidivism rates.
A commitment to character actually requires low capital investment, it is mostly just a decision by individuals and communities to model good character in all of our actions, and to help others do the same. These small decisions help children emulate the good character traits they see in their community leaders, thus making our town a safer and kinder place to live.
Bastrop has a history of citizens helping others. Continuing this tradition may be the most important action we can take to make Bastrop the safest, friendliest, most helpful city in Texas.
If you would like more information on integrating character education into the Bastrop community or in your own Texas community, please contact Evelyn Weilert (512-303-3689) from Building Good Citizens for Texas, the initiative being implemented in Bastrop schools, and now in the community of Bastrop.
For information contact: eweilert@txchared.com