Chamber kicks off character initiative program

That’s why the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce is kicking off its character education program 10 a.m. Aug. 23 at Hammons Field. The yearlong program is a community initiative to promote character in Springfield’s youth and the future work force.

A character word was chosen for each month, beginning in September. The words will be displayed throughout the community. September’s word is respect, and words for the following 11 months are responsible, caring, honesty, attitude, courtesy, self-discipline, trustworthy, dependable, cooperation, integrity and accountable.

The kickoff celebration will feature keynote speaker U.S. Assistant Deputy Secretary of Education Deborah Price and a skit demonstrating the importance of respect.

More than 500 local businesses, schools, civic organizations, government groups, churches and media outlets are character education partners.

The program came as a result of meetings with the chamber’s Committee for Education and Workforce Solutions more than two years ago.