Character Counts

The YMCA of Orange County is proud to be a member of the Character Counts! Coalition. All programs offered by the YMCA of Orange County focus on building character through the coalition’s identified "Six Pillars of Character”: Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring and Citizenship.

We use the T.E.A.M. approach to promoting the Six Pillars; Teach, Enforce, Advocate, and Model. Teaching young people that their character involves knowing the difference between right and wrong, and their happiness and success are dependant on what their character is – not on what they have or how they look. These lessons are built into everyday instructions in all of our programs. The Six Pillars are prominently displayed in our Child Care Program Centers, as well as at our Fitness Facilities.

We enforce our values by rewarding good behavior and discouraging anything else. We discuss the need for the entire team, or group, to be supportive of the “right thing” to do. We advocate character by being clear and uncompromising on what we expect from the participants in our programs. When we see a person acting in good character, we bring it to their attention as well as to everyone in the room. We point them out as good role models. As employees, we hold ourselves to the high standard of modeling how we wish our participants to behave.

The Six Pillars of Character are an invaluable tool in our goal to building strong kids, strong families and strong communities.