The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) Board of Education has unanimously declared Thursday, Sept. 22 as Character Day throughout the district.

Character Day is a global initiative in which groups around the world show films on the science of character development. This year, Character Day activities will culminate in a global Google Hangout meeting to connect participants to others participating in the program.

Character Day was started three years ago by Emmy-nominated filmmaker, speaker and Webby Awards founder Tiffany Shlainf. The initiative combats intolerance and helps develop positive character traits such as resilience, empathy, kindness, honesty, and leadership. All of the films and free materials are based on evidence-based research and showcase different perspectives.

“I have always been a proponent of ensuring that our schools are places that support the development of the whole child, which includes a child’s physical, mental, social-emotional and academic health,” said LAUSD board member Dr. Ref Rodriguez. “While it is our job as a school district to ensure that our students graduate college and are career-ready, it is also our responsibility that they develop the skills and qualities they need to prepare them to make good judgments and to be contributing members of society.”

Board member Mónica García also urged students to participate in Character Day.

“We become stronger when we appreciate and learn from each other’s histories,” García said. “Tolerance and inclusion has been part of our success in Los Angeles and I ask everyone to take part in Character Day.”

Approximately 36,000 groups in 70 countries have signed up to participate in Character Day this year, including 65 school districts, 24 universities and 70 nonprofits.

By signing up at www.CharacterDay.org, participants receive free materials to help teachers and students engage in conversations about character development.

“It is not enough to just teach students about social-emotional learning and character education,” said Isabel Maxwell, a consultant for school outreach and partner development for Character Day. “Our students need to ignite their imagination as to how to make the world a better place through individual and collective action. Our connectedness is what will give us hope and inspiration for global wellness.”

The board resolution also calls on Superintendent Michelle King to encourage LAUSD schools and central office divisions to participate in the global initiative by signing up and by sharing the work students and staff create, including photos, video and artwork. For information, visit www.lausd.net.