Civic Values

http://beinganamerican.org

These values were created to get you thinking, they do not include all of values an American Citizen would exhibit.

CourageCourage means proceeding in spite of feeling afraid, as well as strength of mind and will in the face of danger. The courage of individuals can bring about political change and ensure justice, as well as the happiness of society.

Citizens exhibit the courage to engage in political speech, to serve in the military, and to stand up for their rights and the rights of others.

President Andrew Jackson said, “One man with courage makes a majority.” 

In his "Duty Honor, Country" Address, General Douglas MacArthur described the temperament of the American soldier as a "predominance of courage over timidity."

—Thomas Paine, American patriot

The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly; it is dearness only that gives everything its value. I love the man that can smile in trouble, that can gather strength from distress and grow brave by reflection. ’Tis the business of little minds to shrink; but he whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves his conduct, will pursue his principles unto death.

RespectRespect means holding someone or something in high regard and not interfering with it. A society dedicated to self-government requires that individuals respect the rights of others.

Citizens can show respect for themselves and each other by being quiet when others are speaking, practicing good manners, removing hats inside buildings, wearing black or subdued colors to a funeral, being on time and prepared for school or jobs, showing good sportsmanship, being truthful in relationships, and accepting others’ varying beliefs.

—Bill Bradley, American basketball player and senator

Respect your fellow human being, treat them fairly, disagree with them honestly, enjoy their friendship, explore your thoughts about one another candidly, work together for a common goal and help one another achieve it. No destructive lies. No ridiculous fears. No debilitating anger.

Consideration

Citizens can show consideration by not saying hurtful things, by being quiet when others are talking, showing good sportsmanship, offering senior citizens seats on public transportation, and respecting others’ words, actions, ideas, values and backgrounds.

Consideration means being thoughtful, courteous, reflective, taking others into account, having good manners, and showing respect for the expression of different ideas even if one does not agree with them.

—Noam Chomsky, American linguist

If we don’t believe in freedom of expression for people we despise, we don’t believe in it at all.

Perseverance

Citizens can persevere by continuing to pursue their goals even when facing obstacles.

Means sticking to one’s goals and continuing to pursue them in the face of opposition or discouragement, for a long period of time – perhaps even a lifetime

—Calvin Coolidge, 30th President of the United States

Press on: nothing in the world can take the place of perseverance. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.

IndustryIndustry means working hard with resources that are available, as well as finding or creating the resources one needs.

Citizens can be industrious by working hard on school and work assignments, household work, activities and hobbies, in their careers, and on any personal goals..

—Henry Ford, American businessman

There is joy in work. There is no happiness except in the realization that we have accomplished something.

ResponsibilityResponsibility means meeting one's obligations promptly, thoroughly, and willingly, without expecting others to take care of them. Responsible people think about the consequences of their words and actions to themselves and to others. Responsibility means accepting the consequences of decisions—bad or good

Citizens can be responsible by providing for themselves and their families, following through on personal commitments, obeying laws, paying taxes, volunteering for charities, voting, serving on juries, picking up trash, and keeping up the appearance of their homes. When citizens act responsibly, society as a whole benefits. When citizens are irresponsible, society suffers.

—Albert Schweitzer, American philosopher and philanthropist

Man must cease attributing his problems to his environment, and learn again to exercise his will—his personal responsibility.

JusticeJustice includes concepts such as those found in criminal or civil justice: the fair, equal and reasonable treatment of individuals by the government, the fair enforcement of laws, and appropriate punishments for crimes.

Ways that citizens can ensure civil justice include knowing and obeying the law, reporting suspicions of crimes, testifying in court, serving on juries, protesting unjust laws, circulating and signing petitions, and lobbying for the passage of just laws and the repeal of unjust laws.

—Martin Luther King, Jr., American civil rights leader

Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.

InitiativeInitiative means acting independently and energetically, especially when taking the first steps toward a goal. A society dedicated to self-government requires that individuals take the initiative to ensure the happiness of society.

Citizens have many opportunities for individual efficacy in society. They can take initiative every day by completing their home, school, and career responsibilities without being reminded, by starting their own businesses, joining a political party, or lobbying for new laws.

—Plato, Greek philosopher

The beginning is the chiefest part of any work.

ModerationModeration, a value especially prized in Ancient Republics means to be mild and measured in actions and thoughts, avoiding extremes or excesses.

Citizens can practice moderation by avoiding too much of anything: too much food, drink, work, play, sleep, emotions, etc. When individuals or groups in society disagree, violent conflicts can be avoided by practicing moderation.

—Plato, Greek philosopher

Moderation, which consists in an indifference about little things, and in a prudent and well-proportioned zeal about things of importance, can proceed from nothing but true knowledge, which has its foundation in self-acquaintance

IntegrityIntegrity means being complete, consistent, and whole. Doing right even when no one else is watching.

Citizens can exhibit integrity by being true to their word, following through on their promises, working for justice, taking initiative, showing respect, taking responsibility for bad decisions, and practicing other civic values. Refusing to compromise one values can also be a sign of integrity.

President Dwight D. Eisenhower asserted, “The supreme quality of 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.”

—Ralph Waldo Emerson, American author

Nothing is at last sacred but the integrity of your own mind.

President Dwight D. Eisenhower asserted,

“The supreme quality of 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.”

Sources

http://www.beinganamerican.org/students/citizenship.html#top

http://www.citizenbee.org/user/StudentGuide