Character Development vs. Character Education
Character Development implies a program where people are in a continual
state of learning about the way they present themselves to others.
(Responsibility) Character Development further implies there are traits, skills and
relationships essential for one to live their life on purpose. Our goal is not just to
educate people about positive character traits, relationships and skills but to fully
internalize these by becoming more compassionate and respectful people toward
ourselves and others.
Character Development is a process, not one that promotes perfection. We want
people to understand that each of us makes observations from the information
available to us, derives interpretations and forms conclusions. Respect goes beyond
sharing our conclusions to really seeing where each individual’s journey has taken
them in forming their conclusions. It requires active and reflective listening skills.
– Gene Bedley