the Junior Police Academy Good Character Challenge

Transcription

1 the Junior Police Academy Good Character Challenge Time to put the virtues of good character to useful purpose in the student s own life. 1

2 Revealing Good Character that shapes daily life The Junior Police Academy Good Character Challenge is a simple, yet powerful way to provide students with an authentic and tangible understanding of good character. Students move from the life and death context of law enforcement to another brand of good character, the kind that is rarely acknowledged, little appreciated and yet unfolds right before our eyes. The Challenge reveals how good character is the foundation for our daily life. It s expressed in the quality of our communities; the safety with which we are able to move about, the care provided to those who are sick, the patient commitment of those who enrich our minds and the imagination and industrious spirit of those who build and create. Justice Diligence Courage Generosity Integrity Enthusiasm Wisdom Justice, diligence, courage, generosity, integrity, enthusiasm and wisdom, will, by the end of the course, be more than an idea defined (and confined) to the dictionary, a great novel or the pages of history each of these exemplary traits will have a vitality that can reframe a young person s experience of their own community. 2

3 Action Steps D U P L I C A T E A N D D I S T R I B U T E GOOD CHARACTER STUDENT WORKSHEETS (PAGE 7-13) There is a worksheet for each of our 7 character traits. COMPLETE WORKSHEETS Assign students to gradually complete each Worksheet using the insights gained over the course of this project which will include: CLASSROOM DISCUSSIONS (PAGE 4) GUEST SPEAKERS (PAGE 5) Breath life into each of our seven good character traits by inviting a member of your community to speak to you students about the importance and potential power of a specific trait. STUDENT ACTIVITIES (PAGE 6) Go online and download Student Activities which oblige students to step back from the life they take for granted and discover the extraordinary power of good character to shape and enrich the quality of their home, school and community. 3

4 Classroom Discussion Profiling Good Character Review Worksheets INSTRUCTOR: Bringing criminals to justice is a challenge for law enforcement officers. They must first confirm that a crime has been committed; then connect the criminal act to a perpetrator; then apprehend the individual to face justice. You will be following that same procedure, only they will be on the lookout for actions and deeds that often pass undetected, but which nevertheless have an even greater influence on the quality of our lives than those of a criminal. Our Seven Most Wanted List includes: Justice, Diligence, Courage, Generosity, Integrity, Enthusiasm and Wisdom. Each of these words is alive and at work in your community. They find expression in those citizens who exemplify their meaning. Each in their own way have the power to enrich our home, school and community. First you must first create a detailed description of who you are looking for. Like the FBI, you will profile certain types of behavior. REFER TO WORKSHEETS AND REVIEW: Justice These individuals take an active interest in the cause of justice, as well as the causes of injustice in our society. Usually encompasses a refusal to be petty, along with a willingness to face danger in order to uphold the law. Exceptional examples of this trait can be found among: law enforcement officers and support staff, criminal justice professionals, community leaders. Diligence Individuals who expend considerable energy in the steady pursuit of a commendable goal. Individuals demonstrate a willingness to dig in for the long haul. They are rooted in the belief that great effort and tireless devotion will eventually yield results well worth the wait. Exceptional examples of this trait can be found among: criminal justice investigators, business owners, city leaders, farmers. Courage The state or quality of mind or spirit that enables one to face danger or fear with confidence and resolution. These individuals possess the strength of character to live their values independent of the good opinion of their peers. Exceptional examples of this trait can be found among: police officers, military personnel, firefighters, EMS. Generosity With an inclination to perform kind, charitable works, these individuals devote their time, wealth, ideas or talent in ways that benefit others. Granting those with whom they disagree a sympathetic ear, these individuals treat others with respect and are always on the lookout for the good within others. Exceptional examples of this trait can be found among: non profit professional and volunteers, philanthropists, mentors, educators, community leaders Integrity The same person in both private and public life, these individuals live out their values in all areas of their life. Their actions reflect a consistent adherence to their ideals. Reliable, they inspire loyalty and dedication from those around them. Exceptional examples of this trait can be found among: law enforcement officers, athletic coaches. Enthusiasm These individuals put their whole heart into worthwhile tasks. Not discouraged by failure, they display intense devotion and tackle each challenge with zeal. Exceptional examples of this trait can be found among: K-9 handlers, school leaders, athletes. Wisdom The trait of utilizing knowledge and experience with common sense and insight for the benefit of others. These individuals see and respond to life situations from a perspective that transcends their current circumstances. Exceptional examples of this trait can be found among: Members of clergy, church leaders, educators, physicians, counselors, judges. 4

5 Guest Speakers Engage Your Community Breath life into each of our seven good character traits by inviting a member of your community to speak to your students about the importance and potential power of a specific trait. Below are suggestions for finding citizen speakers: Justice Exceptional examples of this trait can be found among: law enforcement officers and support staff, criminal justice professionals, community leaders. Diligence Exceptional examples of this trait can be found among: criminal justice investigators, business owners, city leaders, farmers. Courage Exceptional examples of this trait can be found among: police officers, military personnel, firefighters, EMS. Generosity Exceptional examples of this trait can be found among: non profit professional and volunteers, philanthropists, mentors, educators, community leaders. Integrity Exceptional examples of this trait can be found among: law enforcement officers, athletic coaches. Visit JuniorPoliceAcademy.org/ideas and download and customize our template letter inviting citizens to speak. Enthusiasm Exceptional examples of this trait can be found among: K-9 handlers, school leaders, athletes. Wisdom Exceptional examples of this trait can be found among: Members of clergy, church leaders, educators, physicians, counselors, judges. 5

6 Student Activities Download and Engage Visit JuniorPoliceAcademy.org/ideas and download Student Activities which oblige students to step back from the life they take for granted and discover the extraordinary power of good character to shape and enrich the quality of their home, school and community. 6

7 Good Character Student Worksheet Justice: These individuals take an active interest in the cause of justice, as well as the causes of injustice in our society. Usually encompasses a refusal to be petty, along with a willingness to face danger in order to uphold the law. In matters of truth and justice, there is no difference between large and small problems, for issues concerning the treatment of people are all the same. Albert Einstein Based on a guest speaker, student activity or lesson, what new insights do you have about this trait? Exceptional examples of this trait can be found among: law enforcement officers and support staff, criminal justice professionals, community leaders. List people you know who possess this trait. Explain how they put this trait to use in their life. Go online and scan the news for events related to this trait. List examples. Turn ideas into action. Describe ways you could put trait to work in your life. 7

8 Diligence Individuals who expend considerable energy in the steady pursuit of a commendable goal. Individuals demonstrate a willingness to dig in for the long haul. They are rooted in the belief that great effort and tireless devotion will eventually yield results well worth the wait. Diligence is the mother of good luck. Benjamin Franklin Good Character Student Worksheet Based on a guest speaker, student activity or lesson, what new insights do you have about this trait? Exceptional examples of this trait can be found among: criminal justice investigators, business owners, city leaders, farmers. List people you know who possess this trait. Explain how they put this trait to use in their life. Go online and scan the news for events related to this trait. List examples. Turn ideas into action. Describe ways you could put trait to work in your life. 8

9 Courage Good Character Student Worksheet The state or quality of mind or spirit that enables one to face danger or fear with confidence and resolution. These individuals possess the strength of character to live their values independent of the good opinion of their peers. Courage is being scared to death... and saddling up anyway. John Wayne Based on a guest speaker, student activity or lesson, what new insights do you have about this trait? Exceptional examples of this trait can be found among: police officers, military personnel, firefighters, EMS. List people you know who possess this trait. Explain how they put this trait to use in their life. Go online and scan the news for events related to this trait. List examples. Turn ideas into action. Describe ways you could put trait to work in your life. 9

10 Generosity Good Character Student Worksheet An inclination to perform kind, charitable works, these individuals devote their time, wealth, ideas or talent in ways that benefit others. Granting those with whom they disagree a sympathetic ear, these individuals treat others with respect and are always on the lookout for the good within others. How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant of the weak and strong. Because someday in your life you will have been all of these. George Washington Carver Based on a guest speaker, student activity or lesson, what new insights do you have about this trait? Exceptional examples of this trait can be found among: non profit professional and volunteers, philanthropists, mentors, educators, community leaders List people you know who possess this trait. Explain how they put this trait to use in their life. Go online and scan the news for events related to this trait. List examples. Turn ideas into action. Describe ways you could put trait to work in your life. 10

11 Integrity Good Character Student Worksheet The same person in both private and public life, these individuals live out their values in all areas of their life. Their actions reflect a consistent adherence to their ideals. Reliable, they inspire loyalty and dedication from those around them. The supreme quality for leadership is unquestionably integrity. Without it, no real success is possible, no matter whether it is on a section gang, a football field, in an army, or in an office. Dwight D. Eisenhower Based on a guest speaker, student activity or lesson, what new insights do you have about this trait? Exceptional examples of this trait can be found among: law enforcement officers, athletic coaches. List people you know who possess this trait. Explain how they put this trait to use in their life. Go online and scan the news for events related to this trait. List examples. Turn ideas into action. Describe ways you could put trait to work in your life. 11

12 Enthusiasm Good Character Student Worksheet These individuals put their whole heart into worthwhile tasks. Not discouraged by failure, they display intense devotion and tackle each challenge with zeal. Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm. Winston Churchill Based on a guest speaker, student activity or lesson, what new insights do you have about this trait? Exceptional examples of this trait can be found among: K-9 handlers, school leaders, athletes. List people you know who possess this trait. Explain how they put this trait to use in their life. Go online and scan the news for events related to this trait. List examples. Turn ideas into action. Describe ways you could put trait to work in your life. 12

13 Wisdom Good Character Student Worksheet These individuals show a willingness to combine the fruits of their experience with empathy and intellect and act for the benefit of others. They see and respond to life situations from a perspective that transcends their current circumstances. Common sense in an uncommon degree is what the world calls wisdom. Samuel Taylor Coleridge Based on a guest speaker, student activity or lesson, what new insights do you have about this trait? Exceptional examples of this trait can be found among: Members of clergy, church leaders, educators, physicians, counselors, judges. List people you know who possess this trait. Explain how they put this trait to use in their life. Go online and scan the news for events related to this trait. List examples. Turn ideas into action. Describe ways you could put trait to work in your life. 13

14 transform words into people and people into mentors Ultimately words like courage or justice are defined, not by the dictionary, but by people. The Challenge seizes on this as an opportunity for students to transform words into people and people into mentors. I am confident students will look back on this final aspect of our new course, not so much as a Challenge, but rather as a privilege. It s an opportunity for young people to publicly acknowledge acts of good character which have enriched the quality of their life. It s a small, but powerful expression of gratitude, which is, in itself, an act of good character. Justice Diligence Courage Generosity Integrity Enthusiasm Wisdom I also believe that years from now, every citizen who participated will look back in wonderment that the simple act of being recognized by a young person for their good character was in fact one of their greatest moments of pride. Phillip LeConte JPA Executive Director 14

15 Action Steps STEP 1 Once Worksheets are complete, duplicate and distribute a Good Character Form (Page 16) to each student. STEP 2 Assign students to select someone from their community who exemplifies each trait and recognize their excellence and inspiration by having them sign their Good Character Form. INSTRUCTOR S ADDRESS TO STUDENTS: You will be expected to seek-out people from your community who exemplify our seven core good character traits: Justice, Diligence, Courage, Generosity, Integrity, Enthusiasm and Wisdom. This process may require some investigation into your community or family history. It may require that you conduct field interviews or visit your school s library to do some research. Individuals matching your description might be someone from your school, home life or local government. Depending on how you define the trait, they could be a local shop owner, a doctor or veterinarian, a member of your church or a member of your family. Your search may include neighbors, teammates, best friend, teachers, school support staff and don t rule out guest speakers who visit your classroom. STEP 3 Collect completed forms from students. Send away for Good Character Challenge Pin using form on page 18. STEP 4 Present students who successfully complete the Challenge with the JPA Good Character Challenge Pin in recognition of their exceptional act of good character. Reveal secret of the Pin at ceremony (Page 17). 15

16 the Junior Police Academy GOOD CHARACTER Challenge Form Identify individuals in your community who exemplify the meaning of Justice, Diligence, Courage, Generosity, Integrity, Enthusiasm and Wisdom. STEP 1 Review this form and consider each of the traits listed. Return to your Good Character Student Worksheets for insight. STEP 2 Be on the lookout for actions or deeds matching the description of each trait. STEP 3 Select someone from your community who exemplifies each trait and recognize their excellence and inspiration by having them sign this form. Justice The above Individual has demonstrated excellence in their pursuit of fairness and equality. Diligence The above Individual has demonstrated considerable perseverance in the steady pursuit of a commendable goal. Courage The above Individual has demonstrated a spirit that has enabled them to face danger or fear with confidence and resolution. STEP 4 Print your name below and submit completed form to your instructor. Generosity The above Individual has given their time, wealth, ideas or talent in ways that benefit others. Integrity The above Individual has lived out their values in all areas of their life, both private and public. STUDENT NAME (PLEASE PRINT) Signature below certifies student has successfully completed the form. INSTRUCTOR Law Enforcement Agency Enthusiasm The above Individual has demonstrated a spirited commitment to worthwhile endeavors. Wisdom The above Individual has demonstrated an ability to combine the fruits of their experience with empathy and intellect. State 16

17 Reveal the Secret of the Challenge Instructor Overview Students who successfully complete the course are presented with the JPA Good Character Challenge Pin in recognition of their exceptional act of good character. (The exact nature of their accomplishment is only revealed to student recipients upon presentation of the award.) Words spoken to recipients of JPA Good Character Challenge Pin: JPA s Good Character Challenge Pin is awarded for an exceptional act of good character. By successfully completing the JPA Good Character Challenge and recognizing the people in your life who exemplify Justice, Diligence, Courage, Generosity, Integrity, Enthusiasm and Wisdom you have demonstrated what is, perhaps, the ultimate act of good character gratitude. To perceive that which merits gratitude and to sincerely express it throughout your life is the very soul of good character. This is especially true in those moments when you are moved by an enlightened sense of justice, diligence, courage, generosity, integrity, enthusiasm and/or wisdom. We are proud to recognize your achievement. While the national organization is proud to award students a pin for completing the Good Character Challenge, said Kelly LeConte, JPA s Program Director, the enduring reward will be cultivated among members of your community. Years from now, citizens will look back in wonderment that being recognizing for good character remains one of their greatest moments of pride. 17

18 Good Character Challenge Pin Request form The Junior Police Academy Leadership Forum is proud to recognize the achievement of those students who successfully complete the challenge with a Good Character Challenge Pin. Instructions for ordering pin: STEP 1 Collect Completed Forms from students. STEP 2 Mail Student forms with this Request Form to address below. STEP 3 Advisory Council of the Junior Police Academy will ship Good Character Challenge Pins for each student who completed the Challenge. Pins are awarded for merit, at no charge. (Pins can be pre-ordered by special arrangement.) My Name, (with title) Department Street Address City, State, Zip Code ( ) Phone number Number of STUDENT CHALLENGE FORMS Enclosed I am pre-ordering pins with understanding that forms will be subsequently provided. Mail Student forms with this Request Form to: Junior Police Academy 1009 West 6th Street, Suite 205, Austin, Texas Attn: Kelly LeConte 18