PLANK TEN:
PLANT THE SEEDS OF SUCCESS IN LIFE: VALUES, CHARACTER, LEADERSHIP

"Sow an act…reap a habit;
Sow a habit…reap a character;
Sow a character…reap a destiny."

GEORGE DANA BOARDMAN

One of the most troubling aspects of society today is the seeming disintegration of our moral backbone. Without a concerted effort to establish values, mold character, and develop leadership skills at the earliest ages, we will continue to be plagued by all manner of societal problems. Schools should nurture strength of character starting in pre-school, and continue to develop it in students through high school. In public school, learning life skills should be just as important as learning the three R's. It should be an integral part of each child's learning experience.

Some of the most effective programs that help

develop strength of character already exist. We simply need to have all children participating in these programs, either as part of the curriculum, or as a required after school activity, or both. Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts are examples of youth programs that offer permanent and enduring life lessons.

Imagine for a moment every girl graduating from middle school having earned the highest distinction the Girl Scouts of America gives to qualified girls, the Gold Award. Imagine for a moment every boy graduating from middle school having earned the highest distinction the Boy Scouts of America gives to qualified boys, the Eagle Award.

I am particularly fond of Boy Scouts. I am an Eagle Scout. My two sons are Eagle Scouts. I am working to convince the National Boy Scouts of America to allow girls to earn this distinction. Growing up as an inner city kid in Seattle, scouting was one of those activities that, in hindsight, had a profound effect on my life.