Characters of Character

Characters of Character is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization providing tools and resources to educators and parents to help teach children nine positive character traits.  The traits that Characters of Character focuses on are behavior, perseverance, friendship, healthy habits, manners, respect, responsibility, self-esteem, and kindness. We believe that introducing these traits at a younger age will create a better-quality society for everyone. Our organization has developed a unique way to reach children and help them internalize the nine traits that we focus on. Our Characters allow children to identify with the traits correlating with each Character. 

Characters of Character began when Joni, the creator and CEO, was working in a BD/LD classroom of young boys.  These boys had serious behavioral issues and were unable to relate to traits like being polite.  Joni created the nine Characters, Behavior Bear, Do'er Duck, Friendship Frog, Healthy Hippo, Manners Monkey, Respectful Rabbit, Responsible Rabbit, Self-Esteem Elephant, and Warm-Hearted Walrus, as a way for her students to understand, and internalize, the traits that correspond with each Character.  When Joni realized what an impact these Characters had on the students, she took a leave of absence from the public school system to pursue her dream of sharing her creation with the rest of the world.

In 2005, Characters of Character won a Promising Practice Award.  In 2007, Characters of Character was incorporated as a nonprofit organization.  Beginning in 2009, all of our Characters began to come to life in costume, allowing children to meet in person the Characters that they learn about.  Characters of Character originally started as a character education program, but has since grown tremendously.  Characters of Character now offers a product line for parents and educators alike, filled with complete character education programs, art projects, children's books, positive reinforcements, and more.  Characters of Character is a family run organization, but we would not be able to continue with our mission without the help of our amazing friends who volunteer their time and services at events that Characters of Character attends.