
Responsibility In the Community
vs. unreliability
Knowing and doing what is expected of me
Taking Responsibility for Mother Earth
by Mary Andres Russell
Over a decade ago, a dear friend and ambassador for the Character Council died in a sudden accident. For years, Cecil Evans walked the streets of Walnut Hills and Avondale picking up litter and talking with people – anyone who would listen – about the importance of cleaning up. Mr. Evans had a deep, lifelong passion for Mother Earth. Rooted in his upbringing on a Georgia farm, he was fascinated by Creation. And he was deeply concerned about the garbage along Greater Cincinnati waterways and highways.
Mr. Evans used to get angry about it — shake his fist and honk his horn at litterers. Then he read our “Achieving True Success” book about the 49 character qualities and decided that anger wasn’t the right approach. He started talking to people about littering and the importance of picking up. His change in approach changed everything.
People began seeking him out to speak to young people about cleaning up. Mr. Evans viewed picking up after yourself as a basic step in character. When we respect the Earth, we earn self-respect. When we honor the Earth, we honor ourselves. One conversation with this passionate man, and you would never walk by litter again.
Is there something in our culture that angers you? What are you passionate about? Who or what do you honor? – So much so that you are willing to accept responsibility for it? This month, follow Mr. Evans’ lead. Take responsibility for picking up around you – in your home, in your neighborhood, and in our city. And channel your passion in productive ways.

The Links below will take you to Resources you can use with the family or within community organizations
to teach the Character Quality of Responsibility.
The following activities are related to dates this month and can relate to any character quality or good character in general.
January Character All Month
See NationalToday, AndTodayIs, NationalDayCalendar or DaysOfTheYear for more information on these and other holidays to celebrate this month. Day in Jan 2025 Holiday How to Commemorate with Character 1 Universal Hour of Peace In recent times, the...
Feb. 17 Random Act of Kindness Day
February 17 is Random Act of Kindness Day What could you do to be kind to someone in your family? In the neighborhood? At school or work? Any kind activity counts. Why not join our Kinder Character Challenge? Twice a month, we email the challenge for the week. You are...
Inspire Your Heart With Art Day
Create a piece of art using one of our quotes or use one of your own. Use whatever art form you choose. You could also do something with any of our qualities. Think about doing something you haven’t done before. Be bold. Be confident. Be creative. Some suggestions are...
Our other Pillars have resources that can be used in a community or family setting.

Visit Responsibility in School>>
Activities
No Matter How You Say It
Curriculum Connections
Croskey’s Corner

Visit Responsibility in Business>>
Teambuilding
Power Up with Character
Interview Questions
Adult Business Books

Visit Responsibility in Faith>>
Christian Family Activity
Bible Verses
Christian Poster
Prayer and Reflections
Archived Resources