Character Day is an annual day that unites millions of people in schools, companies, and homes to develop and deepen their character (strengths like empathy, grit, gratitude, social responsibility, and leadership). Why? Because character development leads not only to school and career success, but also to stronger, more engaged individuals and a more just world. In 2018, over 4 million people across 200,000 groups in 125 countries and all 50 states participated in Character Day. This year, Character Day focuses on how we can use technology to enable (not disable) our lives.

Join the #TechLifeBalance Challenges

Week 1: Try not using your phone for 30 mins in morning, 30 minutes before bed, meals.

Week 2: Put away your phone for 30 mins every day, and do something you love.

Week 3: Identify why you’re looking at the phone. Connection? Work? Zoning out? What other activities — that you enjoy — fulfill that need?

Week 4: Do a #TechShabbat!

Why Participate?

  • 93% of Character Day hosts reported participating in Character Day increased their *personal* intention to develop character.
  • 80% reported participating increased their *institution’s* support of character development.
  • 96% reported positive experiences and intention to continue participating in Character Day.
  • 100% reported they wanted more: more ways to engage, more content, and more resources, year-round. This year’s plans speak directly to this request.

We partnered with ImpactED at the Fels Institute of Government at UPENN to evaluate the qualitative impact of Character Day on individuals and institutions who participate. You can read the full report and three case studies here. These are some highlights.

How it Works

WE PROVIDE (FOR FREE):

  • All-day Global Live Stream featuring scientists, authors, artists, and other acclaimed character development and SEL experts
  • Award-winning suite of engaging short films by Emmy-nominated filmmakers
  • Hands-on discussion kits with posters and evidence-based discussion materials for all ages
  • Robust resource hub with over 5,000 curated and sortable resources
  • Access to year-round character development programs provided by highly-vetted partners
  • Opportunity to be part of a global event about character development

The Live Stream

We will be announcing the 2019 Live Stream Lineup closer to Character Day. It will be lively, educational, engaging, and fantastic! In the meantime, check out last year’s live stream. Each interview is roughly 15 minutes, intermixed with live events around the globe. See full program and bios here.

SESSION 01
8:00am – 8:55am PT
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SESSION 04
11:00am – 12:00pm PT
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SESSION 02
9:00am – 10:00am PT
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SESSION 05
12:00pm – 1:00pm PT
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SESSION 03
10:00am – 11:00am PT
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IT’S A WRAP!
1:30pm PT
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The Films

Kick off your Character Day event with one or all of our award-winning short films about character through different lenses. All films have suggested age ranges and are translated into several languages.

THE SCIENCE OF CHARACTER
The social and neuroscience behind character development
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THE MAKING OF MENSCH
The science of character through a Jewish lens
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THE ADAPTABLE MIND
A deep dive into the skills we need to flourish in the 21st century
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30,000 DAYS
The history of humans thinking about character, meaning, and purpose
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The Resources

Partners

An enormous thank you to the amazing partners who help expand this initiative and cultivate character around the globe!

Coming soon: this year we’ll be distinguishing partners by what they provide (year-round curriculum or programs for schools; professional development for companies and organizations; resources for digital wellbeing; media resources; etc). Stay tuned!

Content Partners

American Federation of Teachers

The Dalai Lama Center for Ethics

High Resolve

The Making Caring Common Project

VIA Institute on Character

Center for Humane Technology

Digital Wellness Collective

inspirED

Mindup

Wait until 8th

Character Lab

Facing History and Ourselves

LiveHappy

Nearpod

Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence

Class Dojo

Greater Good Science Center

Prizmah

Soulpancake

Community Partners

BBYO

Embodied Jewish Learning

Foundation for Jewish Camp

JPro Network

LookUp

PJ Library

Repair the World

Union for Reform Judaism

Contemporary Jewish Museum

Goldring Woldenberg Institute of Southern Jewish Life

Jewish Federation of Broward County

The Jewish Studio Project

Moving Traditions

Ramah Camping Movement

Rising Tide Open Waters Mikveh Network

Wilderness Torah

Civic Spirit

Hazon

Jewish Grandparents Network

KIPP

My Hero

Reboot

Sh’ma Now

Wisdom Tribe

Darim Online

International Positive Education Network

Jewish Interactive

Limmud Bay Area

OneTable

Reconstructing Judaism

Shalom Learning

Foundational Support

John Templeton Foundation

Jim Joseph Foundation

Lippman Kanfer Foundation for Living Torah

The Covenant Foundation