GALT, CA (MPG) - For the Galt community, responsibility stands as the character trait of focus each September and October, a tradition dating back to 2007.

That year, residents of Galt chose six fundamental character traits to strengthen families and nurture a better community. Since then, the Galt Community of Character Coalition has worked to promote these values, supporting efforts to foster character and share stories of local role models.

The Importance of Responsibility

Responsibility, a key value for honorable living, is vital both for personal growth and community improvement. It means fulfilling our duties and holding ourselves accountable for our actions. Those who embrace responsibility earn a reputation for dependability and trustworthiness.

Types of Responsibility

Legal Responsibility: Gerald Johnson, a journalist, once stated, “No man was ever endowed with a right without being at the same time saddled with a responsibility.”

Legal responsibility asks us to respect the laws and regulations of our community, state and country.

Personal Responsibility: Philosopher Jim Rohn wrote, “You must take personal responsibility. You cannot change the circumstances, the seasons or the wind, but you can change yourself.”

Each person decides to act with good character, taking ownership of their choices and actions.

Family Responsibility: Caring for family means treating loved ones with respect and doing our best to support them. Psychologist Albert Ellis summed it up: “The best years of your life are the ones in which you decide your problems are your own. You do not blame them on your mother, the ecology, or the president. You realize that you control your own destiny.”

Teaching responsibility within families builds stronger individuals and families, which create stronger communities.

Moral Responsibility: Moral responsibility includes how we treat people, animals and the environment. It calls us to care, defend, help, build, protect, preserve and sustain.

Participating in community activities and making informed choices are also part of shared moral responsibility.

Community Responsibility

Living responsibly means treating others fairly and caring for the environment. Community responsibility includes going the extra mile: picking up litter, joining fundraising events, staying informed and voting in elections. These actions benefit both ourselves and the wider community.

Get Involved

If you feel inspired to support moral and community responsibility, the Galt Community of Character Coalition welcomes your help.

Nominate a Role Model of Responsibility: If you know someone who exemplifies responsibility, consider nominating them for the Galt Character Award for Responsibility for 2025. The coalition is looking for individuals, groups, or organizations who set positive examples in their everyday lives.

To submit a nomination, mail information to Galt Character Coalition, PO Box 902, Galt, CA 95632 or email Mari Martinez of the Galt Community of Character Coalition Nominating Committee at [email protected].

When submitting a nomination, include the nominee’s full name, address, email address and phone number. In addition, provide a brief explanation of how this person or group demonstrates responsibility, including specific examples to illustrate their contributions.

Be sure to also include your own full name, address, phone number, and email address with the submission. Deadline for nominations is Oct. 31.