All About Character, Inc.

Promotes the development of positive and confident young people to respond rationally, thoughtfully, and constructively to personal challenges earlier in life than ever before. Their 'hands-on' three dimensional resource, "Character Building" ABC Blocks, offer a broad-based exposure to powerful words, themes, and positive behaviors. All About Character, Incorporated, P.O. Box 637, Pleasant Garden, North Carolina 27313;
Tel: 1-888-BLOCKS-1.

The Anti-Prejudice Consortium

The Anti-Prejudice Consortium works to fight prejudice, increase tolerance and promote respect among all people. Their mission is to be a resource to and partner with middle schools and the community in the battle against prejudice, discrimination and intolerance. To date, they fund and administer two programs, the Power Over Prejudice (POP) Summit and the In School Follow Up (ISF) Programs which reach thousands of students and counselors each year. Anti-Prejudice Consortium, 3154 Northside Parkway, NW, Atlanta, Georgia 30327; Tel: 678-547-0084.

ASCD Character Education Network

Sponsored by ASCD and Boston University's Center for the Advancement of Ethics and Character, its mission is to help teachers and administrators struggling with the ethical and character formation aspect of their work. Karen Bohlin, Boston University, School of Education, 605 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215. Phone: (617) 353-3262.

ASCD Conflict Resolution Network

Contact Mary Ellen Schaffer, Assistant Principal, Elsie Johnson School, 1380 Nautilus Lane, Hanover Park, IL 60613. Phone: (708) 830-8770 or Fax (708) 893-5452.

Association for Conflict Resolution

The Association for Conflict Resolution (ACR) is a professional organization dedicated to enhancing the practice and public understanding of conflict resolution. ACR represents and serves a diverse national and international audience that includes more than 6,000 mediators, arbitrators, facilitators, educators, and others involved in the field of conflict resolution and collaborative decision-making. Anyone interested in the field of conflict resolution is welcome to join. Association for Conflict Resolution, 1015 18th St. NW, Suite 1150, Washington, DC 20036. Phone: (202) 464-9700; Email: acr@ACRnet.org

Bonner Center for Character Education and Citizenship

Directed by Dr. Jacques Benninga, The Bonner Center for Character Education and Citizenship at California State University in Fresno was formed in 1997 to promote character education in the Central Valley through providing nationally recognized speakers for the Fresno area, forums on character education and professional ethics, small grants for local public schools and teachers, materials and other professional resources for review, and coordination for a variety of character award programs.  Phone (559) 278-0253 or E-mail: jackb@csufresno.edu.

The Cambridge Group

The firm used by Mt. Lebanon School district to develop and implement its strategic plan. 5795 Carmichael Parkway, Montgomery AL 36117. Phone (205) 279-7150 or Fax (205) 279-7151

Center for the Advancement of Ethics and Character

Dedicated to helping schools recapture their role as moral educators, and has developed a model that emphasizes the curriculum as the primary vehicle for transmitting moral values to the young. The Center publicizes this model through its "Teacher Academies" for elementary and secondary schoolteachers and administrators. A similar program is directed toward college and university faculty responsible for the preparation of future teachers. The Center is also involved in researching and developing curricular materials for use by schools, teachers, and parents.  Boston University, School of Education, 621 Commonwealth Avenue., Boston, MA 02215. Phone: (617) 353-3262

Center for Character Education

An academic alliance of schools and universities bringing together educators interested in implementing a new model for moral education. The integrated character education model is based on the view that, in a person of mature character, knowledge, affect, and action are integrated. Duquesne University, School of Education, 410 Canevin Hall, Pittsburgh, PA  15282. Phone: (412) 434-5191.

Center for the Fourth and Fifth Rs (Respect and Responsibility)

Founded in 1994 and directed by Dr. Tom Lickona, the Center has trained more than 4,000 K-12 educators in a 12-point comprehensive approach to character education. The Center helps schools and districts implement and assess character education through its annual Summer Institute in Character Education and on-site staff development, and also publishes The Fourth and Fifth Rs newsletter.  With a grant from the John Templeton Foundation, the Center has conducted a two-year national study of American high schools, including site visits to 24 diverse schools, hundreds of interviews, a comprehensive research review, and the input of a National Experts Panel and a National Student Leaders Panel. For a free digital copy of the resulting report, Smart and Good High Schools: Integrating Excellence and Ethics for Success in School, Work, and Beyond, go to www.cortland.edu/character/highschool. Center for the 4th and 5th Rs, School of Education, SUNY Cortland, P.O. Box 2000, Cortland, NY 13045. Phone: (607) 753-2455; Fax: (607) 753-5980; e-mail

The Center for Learning

A non-profit publisher of values-based curriculum. They offer over 500 teacher resource units in the humanities: English/Language Arts, Social Studies, and Religion. All materials and services are directed towards the total education of youth -- intellectual, social, and moral. The Center for Learning, 21590 Center Ridge Road, Rocky River, OH  44116. Phone: (440) 331-1404, Fax: (440) 331-5414; e-mail: cfl@stratos.net

Center for Media Literacy

A non-profit membership organization that translates media literacy research and theory into practical information, training, and educational tools for teachers, youth leaders, parents, and caregivers of children. Free catalog of teaching materials. 1962 S. Shenandoah St., Los Angeles, CA 90034. Phone: (800) 226-94994 or fax (310) 559-2944.

The Character Counts Coalition

Project of the Josephson Institute which represents a national partnership of organizations and individuals involved in the education, training, or care of youth. joined in a collaborative effort to improve the character of America's young people based on core ethical values, the Six Pillars of Character: Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring, and Citizenship. Aims to combat violence, dishonesty, and irresponsibility by strengthening the moral fiber of the next generation. The Coalition will put the issue of character development on the forefront of the American agenda through a wide variety of grass-roots activities built on the conviction that character counts. Character Counts Coalition, 9841 Airport Blvd., Suite 300, Los Angeles, CA 90045. Phone: (310) 846-4800; Fax: (310) 846-4858.

The Character Development Group

Provides staff development and classroom resources: books, video tapes and program assessment tools. Directed by Dr. Philip Fitch Vincent, who has trained more than 500 school systems in 30 states on how to bring an effective character education program into the schools. He has helped lead model community-based character education initiatives across the country, including such success stories as Chattanooga, TN.
PO Box 35136, Greensboro, NC 27425. Phone: (888) 262-0572; E-mail: respect96@aol.com.

Character Ed Prep: The National Clearinghouse for the Teaching of Character in Educator Preparation Programs

Directed by the Regent University School of Education, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Education, the National Clearinghouse serves to: provide guidance on the merits of best practices in character education; identify scientifically-based research in character education and character development; promote model character education programs; compile a directory of educator preparation institutions that focus on character education; highlight events related to character education; and conduct inservice training for educators, seminars, and conferences. Contact: Character Ed Prep, 1000 Regent University Dr., Virginia Beach, VA 23464; Phone: (757) 226-4205;  Fax: (757) 226-4147; Email Dr. Cynthia Cadieux, Program Director: cyntcad@regent.edu.

Character Education by Auto B Good

Wet Cement Productions Inc. is the creator of this 8-time award-winning series, Auto B Good. This engaging DVD/VHS series is designed for elementary age students. Presenting 36 character traits these 8-12 minutes “lesson launchers” give schools a new trait for each week of the school year. Compatible with existing character education curricula and complete with Teachers Guides, these videos are being viewed across the country on public television. For more information on this Emmy Award winning series, contact Jack Currier at 719-488-0994, or jack@wetcementproductions.com. Web site www.studentsbgood.com.

The Character Education Institute (at California University of Pennsylvania)

A regional institute that provides character education support to school districts, higher education, businesses, and parents; facilitates research, and offers character education graduate work and inservice education. Character Education Institute, California University of Pennsylvania, 250 University Ave., Box 75, California, PA 15419-1394.
Phone: (412) 938-4500.

The Character Education Partnership

A nonpartisan coalition of organizations and individuals concerned about the moral crisis confronting America's youth and dedicated to developing moral character and civic virtue in young people as a way of promoting a more compassionate and responsible society. Activities include a national clearing house, community programs, school support, publications, annual and regional forums, national awards and media campaign. Mr. Robert Sherman, Executive Director, The Character Education Partnership, 1025 Connecticut Ave. NW,  Suite 1011, Washington, DC  20036; Tel: (202) 296-7743 or (800) 988-8081; Fax: (202) 296-7779.

CHARACTERplus^®

A school-business-community partnership representing 34 public school districts in the metropolitan St. Louis area, that is designed to develop student character, personal responsibility, and achievement. CHARACTERplus - Cooperating School Districts, 8225 Florissant Road, St. Louis, MO  63121, Tel: 1-800-835-8282 or (314) 692-9723; Fax: (314) 692-9700; E-Mail: characterplus@info.csd.org.

The Character Education Network

An internet site for students, teachers, schools, and communities to facilitate character education. This site is dedicated to providing quality, ready-to-use curriculum, activities, and resources that integrate with and enhance the classroom experience. Contact Thinking Media: Phone (423) 842-6205; E-mail: info@thinkingmedia.com.

The Child Development Project

An effort to take research knowledge and theory about how elementary age children learn and develop -- intellectually, socially, and ethically -- and translate it into a practical program for classroom, school, and home use. Its comprehensive approach to character education was a powerful influence in the creation of Mt. Lebanon's character education strategy. Developmental Studies Center, 2000 Embarcadero, Suite 305, Oakland, CA 94606-5300. Phone: (510) 533-0213.

Civics in Action

Civics in Action educates and inspires students to become engaged and responsible citizens. Through interactive lessons, it provides teachers with a "turnkey" supplement to bring the Social Studies and Language Arts curricula to life. The program is comprised of bi-weekly lessons that use a current event or issue to help reinforce principles of American Government/U.S. Constitution and virtues that are the basis of a healthy democracy. Current Links in Education, 1126 Dartmouth Road, Flossmoor, IL 60422. Phone: (708) 922-1075; Email: info@civicsinaction.org.

Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL)

CASEL enhances children's success in school and life by promoting coordinated, evidence-based social, emotional, and academic learning as an essential part of education from preschool though high school. Our three primary goals are: to advance the science of social and emotional learning (SEL); expand coordinated, evidence-based SEL practice, and build a sustainable and collaborative organization to accomplish our mission. CASEL, Department of Psychology (M/C 285), University of Illinois at Chicago, 1007 W. Harrison St., Chicago, IL 60607-7137; Phone: 312.413.1008; Fax: 312.355.4480; Email: CASEL@uic.edu.

Communitarian Network

A coalition of individuals and organizations who have come together to shore up the moral, social, and political environment. This national organization is nonsectarian and nonpartisan. It sponsors an annual conference, produces position papers (on family, health care reform, domestic disarmament, character and a civil society, and organ donation), and publishes a quarterly journal, The Responsive Community: Rights and Responsibilities. Communitarian Network, 2130 H Street, NW, #174, Washington, DC 20052. Phone: (202) 994-7997; Fax: (202) 994-1606.

Community Board Program

A conflict resolution resource. 1540 Market St., Suite 490, San Francisco, CA 94102. Phone: (415) 552-1250. Fax: (415) 626-0595.

Connecticut Assets Network (CAN)

A grassroots non-profit network of citizens and organizations that promote the integration and successful use of asset-based strategies for community development. 465 Silas Deane Highway, Wethersfield, CT 06109 Phone (860) 571-8463, Fax (860) 571-8465.

Core Virtues

Core Virtues is a character education program for grades K-8 which utilizes fine children's literature and biographies to teach the classical virtues. Contact Link Institute, Publishers of Core Virtues™, 718 S. Loomis St ., Chicago IL 60607. Phone: 312/421-8303; E-mail: elias@linkinstitute.org.

Educators for Social Responsibility

Source of innovative curriculum materials and teacher training programs that focus on issues of peacemaking and conflict resolution. Their Resolving Conflict Creatively Program (RCCP) is a comprehensive, K-12 school-based program in conflict resolution and intergroup relations that provides a model for preventing violence and creating caring learning communities. It has been disseminated to over 350 schools in the United States. School Conflict Resolution Programs, 23 Garden St., Cambridge, MA 02138. Phone (617) 492-1764; E-mail: educators@esrnational.org

Ethics Resource Center

Working to restore our society's ethical foundations by strengthening the capacity of our institutions to foster integrity, encourage ethical conduct, and support basic values. Since its establishment in 1977, as a nonprofit, nonpartisan, and nonsectarian educational organization, the Ethics Resource Center has developed practical and effective programs that address the evolving needs of the education, business, and government communities. Resources include research support, curricular materials, workshops, and conference sponsorship. 1120 G Street, NW Washington, DC 20005. Phone: (202) 737-2258.

Exploring Ethics Through Children's Literature

A literature based ethics program for grades 2-6. Critical Thinking Press & Software, PO Box 448, Dept. 4, Pacific Grove, CA 93950-0448. Phone: (800)458-4849;
Fax: (408) 372-3230.

The Giraffe Project

A national nonprofit organization working to get more people to stick their necks out for the common good. Knowing that early learning can lead to lifelong "giraffeness," the Project is in the schools with a K-12 curriculum that teaches courage, compassion and personal involvement in the community-at-large. The basis for the program is the Project's story bank of over 800 real life heroes whose lives show kids what they too can do. By the end of the curriculum, the kids are in action, doing a service project they design to address a public problem that concerns them. The Project also helps local businesses and service groups adopt classrooms; they provide Giraffe curriculum materials for teachers, and go into the classroom to help start kids on becoming great citizens of this democracy. The Giraffe Project, P.O. Box 759, Langley, WA 98260, Tel: (360) 221-7989, Fax: (360) 221-7817, E-Mail: office@giraffe.org.

Heartwood Ethics Program

A multicultural, literature based curriculum that uses classic children's stories from around the world to present universal values to children in grades K-8. Designed to foster moral literacy and ethical judgment by exposing students to seven core attributes: courage, loyalty, justice, respect, hope, honesty, and love. Mt. Lebanon uses this program in its elementary and junior high school programs. The Heartwood Institute, 425 N. Craig St., Suite 302, Pittsburgh, PA 15213. Phone: (800) 432-7810.

International Educational Foundation

A nonprofit organization which has developed a variety of materials and seminars for schools, institutions of higher education and other educational organizations. Conducts conferences and programs for educational leaders and teachers in the former Soviet Union and the People's Republic of China as well as the U.S. Publications include My World & I – a course designed to help young people develop virtuous character and  traditional values – also character-based education programs targeting specific issues such as substance abuse, sexuality, marriage and parenting. International Educational Foundation, 4 West 43rd St., New York, NY 10036. Phone: (212) 944-7466 or fax (212) 944-6683.

The Joseph and Edna Josephson Institute of Ethics

A nonprofit educational and leadership training organization seeking to increase the nation's awareness of ethical issues and to provide individuals with the skills to make their behaviors more ethical. Activities with individuals, publications, and skills training workshops; also sponsors the Character Counts Coalition. Josephson Institute, 9841 Airport Blvd., Suite 300, Los Angeles, CA 90045. Phone: (310) 846-4800; Fax: (310) 846-4858

Parent and Child Guidance Center

A mental health agency that delivers a character education parenting series. 2644 Banksville Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15216. Phone (412) 343-5698 or fax (412) 343-8249.

Passkeys Foundation Jefferson Center for Character Education

As a non-profit, publicly supported foundation, Passkeys Foundation Jefferson Center for Character Education has been committed to building a nation of character for 40 years. The Jefferson Center was founded in 1963. Passkeys Foundation was founded in 1978. These two organizations merged in 2000.The Passkeys Jefferson Center now provides local and national character education programs for children, youth and adults as well as markets the S.T.A.R. Responsibility Skills character education curricula for grades K-8th. Passkeys Foundation Jefferson Center for Character Education, P.O. Box 4137, Mission Viejo, CA 92690. Phone: (949) 770-7602; Email: Centerjcce@aol.com.

Primary Focus

A national, non-profit educational organization dedicated to promoting character education through their "CHOICES COUNT!" Assembly Programs in public elementary schools throughout the U.S. This highly effective and entertaining assembly includes fun and energetic music, choreography, drama, costumes, props, and audience participation. Features a professional digital sound system and live vocal talent by the 8-member Primary Focus Team. Students leave the assembly not only entertained, but motivated to develop their personal skills in the area of positive choice-making principles. Each school receives resource materials including ideas and projects for teachers to use to reinforce the program. Primary Focus, 8801 Magnolia Ave., Santee, CA 92071; Phone: (800) 571-TEAM (8326)

Project Wisdom™

A daily character education program that encourages students to reflect on the meaning of civic and personal values and the application of those values in their daily lives. The centerpiece of the program is a collection of thought-provoking messages designed to be read over the PA or in-house television system. Encourages ethical choices and actions, inspires students to do their personal best, and fosters an understanding of multiple perspectives. Project Wisdom, 4747 Bellaire Blvd., Suite 210, Bellaire, TX 77401; Phone:(800)-884-4974.

The School for Ethical Education (SEE)

With the goal of expanding ethical reasoning skills to promote responsible and caring communities, SEE provides teacher and parent education through collaboration with school districts, parent organizations, day care centers, professional education centers, and institutions of higher and continuing education. School instructors teach, write, and speak at events and meetings, and consult with relevant educational organizations to advance strategies which promote ethics in action for the creation of character. The School for Ethical Education, 440 Wheeler Farms Rd., Milford, Connecticut 06460. Phone: (203) 783-4439 or 1-800-232-0013, Fax: (203) 330-5036/5067, E-mail: ethics@wisi.com

Sports P.L.U.S. (Positive Learning Using Sports)

A non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the use of sports as a positive educational medium. Sports P.L.U.S. programs range from summer camps to after-school programs. They also conduct trainings and continue to research the ways in which sports can influence the development of good values and enhance moral decision making. Their goal is to show others how to tap into these lessons and create programs that develop good athletes and good people. The PLUS Institute, PO Box 219, New Hampton, NH 03256. Phone: (603) 744-3769

Teen-Aid

Teen-Aid is a not-for profit organization started in 1981 for the specific purpose of reducing out-of-wedlock teen pregnancies and their many consequences. The method believed most valuable was abstinence education, which stresses character development and connection to parents. Teen-Aid produces curricula materials for public and private schools as well as offering materials developed by others but which still conveys the skills and integrity of abstinence, fidelity and character. Teen-Aid, Inc., 723 E. Jackson, Spokane, WA 99207. Phone: (509) 482-2868; web site: www.teen-aid.org.

Vitamin L

Vitamin L is an award-winning group that provides recordings and live concerts of character-building songs. Song topics include: appreciating diversity, nonviolent conflict resolution, empathy, human rights, gratitude, endurance, optimism, teamwork, resisting peer pressure, decision-making, size acceptance, honesty, second hand information, cooperation, kindness, friendship and much more. Vitamin L concerts are produced by Lovable Creature Music, 105 King St., Ithaca, NY 14850. Phone: (607) 273-4175. To hear song samples, go to www.vitaminL.org.

WiseSkills

Community-based character-building programs for both grades K-8 (WiseSkills) and high school level (Wisdom for Life: Becoming a Person of Character). Legacy Learning, P.O. Box 3213, South Pasadena, CA 91031-6213. Phone (888) 947-3754.