“What Have You Learned”

Today I reflect on the things I have learned in this journey of life. My Father-in-law used to say: “It’s a great life if you don’t weaken” and I never quite understood the context. We got married at the age of 20 and 21 and next month we will be married for 42 years. Who knew! We’re still best friends and even still like one another, quite an accomplishment in an ever changing world, through ups and downs and twists and turns. None the less, we’re here and we’re making it our best life. BUT, this isn’t about us, I wanted to reflect on the phrase from my Father-in-law, “It’s a great life if you don’t weaken” because we are all weak. We all have to make a conscious choice to make our life what we want it to be. If it’s not, one can at least step back and say they tried. Or better yet, when you’re aware of the choices you will have lessons and the opportunity to grow from them.

Never in a million years did I ever think I would form a non-profit organization, never! I just wanted to be a wife and a mom. And I AM! Yet, when I was a teaching assistant in an elementary school back in 2005 I had the opportunity to Pilot the Characters. Talk about stepping out of ones comfort zone! They earned a National Promising Practice Award through Character Education Partnerships in Washington which inspired me to form the 501(c)(3) organization. Anyone who is familiar with the nonprofit sector knows that not only does one learn to not take the NO answer personally, but when you don’t ask, there’s your answer. You kind of have to be thick skinned and not take things personally because there is always a reason behind your answer. You have to find it, you must NEVER give up! While it’s easier said that done for sure, when you give up you may have regrets and you may never know your outcome.

Years ago I had a friend who was on the Board, she found it difficult to ask for donations, I did, too. Then my positive mindset set in along with my Ph.d. and I shared that when you remove yourself from the ‘ask’ and focus on the fact that the funds are for teaching our children and youth about having character, that you are making a difference, one child at a time and in the life of a child her outlook became different. You see, it’s not about ‘asking’ for donations, it’s about using your PhD.d. and we ALL have one! We have Passion, we have Heart and we have Determination in something. Find your something and use your PhD. It has taken myself time to embrace this as well.

I was interviewed on a Podcast years ago through Empowered Woman and the host asked some questions which made me think, think about my journey in life and I feel it’s important to reflect on it every now and again. It helps you to grow as a person, it helps you realize the lessons you’re learned along the way and teaches you about yourself. I shared that the Joni I was back then is not the same Joni as today. Through our lives we change, we can grow or we can remain stuck. I chose to grow! The depths of BELIEVING in yourself isn’t to be taken lightly because you’ll see that when you do believe in yourself you are more likely to act on the above:

  • Keep a positive mindset

  • Never give up

  • Step out of your comfort zone

  • Learn from the answer NO

  • BELIEVE in yourself

The question is how do we teach our own children or students this? First, build a firm foundation. A foundation of communication, of trust and let’s not forget to be a role model for our children. My favorite quote from Benjamin Franklin is this:

TELL me and I forget, TEACH me and I remember, INVOLVE me and I learn.” I know for myself as an adult I don’t embrace things when someone TELLS me what to do, I learn best when you TEACH me, hands on, explanations and INVOLVE me so that I will remember and I will make conscious choices and I will learn. It’s important to do this with our own children and youth.

These Characters of Character all represent a trait, may In introduce to you the Characters of Character:

  • Behavior Bear teaches a child what it means to have good behavior, what it looks like, sounds like and feels like.

  • Do’er Duck teaches a child about perseverance and to never give up, again, what it will feel like when you try!

  • Friendship Frog teaches a child about friendship, that a true friend is honest with you and won’t harm you.

  • Healthy Hippo teaches a child that a healthy body is just as important as a healthy mind!

  • Manners Monkey teaches a child to use polite mannerisms verbally and physically.

  • Respectful Rabbit reaches a child to be respectful of oneself and of others and the world we live in

  • Responsible Rabbit teaches a child that they are responsible for their choices and what responsibility means.

  • Self-Esteem Elephant teaches a child to be confident and like who they are!

  • Warm-Hearted Walrus teaches a child to be kind and not a bully.

When I first piloted the characters, they were on hand made posters made for eighteen classrooms! The Principal chose a trait each month to highlight and the classroom teacher emphasized it. I put up a mailbox display in the Library where students wrote letters and drew pictures to the character. On Friday I collected them and played Dear Abby. On Monday the student received a letter back from the character, the Principal, Teacher, Social Worker and School Psychologist were each aware when a student shared anything alarming. For example, if a child felt bullied, or if a child was going through a traumatic experience they were able to address it professionally before anything escalated. This was my favorite part by far. So, today as I reflect I wanted to share what others have learned from the Characters of Character, after all when you earn an award, you must be onto something! Leap forward, Learn, Grow and Share what you know works to help make the world a better place.

“Joni's imagination is endless and her passion for helping others is immeasurable. 
The characters she has developed are endearing to children and adults. Her curriculum can be applied in formal educational settings as well as home school. The lessons and character building have real life everyday living applications. 
I highly recommend getting to know Joni and her Characters of Character.” Frank Hosticka, Community Member

“Due to her teaching background she is very passionate about helping young children with their moral compass. By starting Characters of Character as a charitable organization shows that she has taken the next step in putting her dreams into action. I highly recommend Joni as a business person and someone that is dedicating her life to helping children.” Wayne Seely, Community Member

“DEDICATION AND SERVICE TO OTHERS ARE WHAT COME TO MIND WHEN DESCRIBING THE GREAT ATTRIBUTES OF MRS DOWNEY. SHE'S AND INSPIRATION TO ALL THAT KNOW HER AS A PERSON AND WITH HER BUSINESS.” Desmond Clark, Chicago Bears

“Characters of Character has become an everyday discussion. The students can’t get enough of the characters which have helped to discuss difficult concepts to even the youngest of children.” Noreen Stass, Director

 “Hosting Characters of Character at our bookstore is always a joy. The children love meeting the character and the parents are thrilled with the programming and what their children are able to take away.” Book Store, Owner Arlene

“After learning about Healthy Hippo, my kids think twice about saying "NO" to their vegetables! These characters have a simple way of engaging children into good choices, we love the CHARACTERS!” Kole and Paige's mom”

  “It is a great program that teaches values and morals to children, and it has definitely affected my son. He loves the program and all of the characters. He even talks about it at home. Character is very important for children to learn. I think it is an excellent program and should be implemented in all child care centers and schools.” Andrea Peters, Educator and Parent

   “I reference Behavior Bear with my son because he relates to him. This helps him share his toys and be a better listener. My child used to cry a lot while brushing his teeth, but after Healthy Hippo visited his school, he cries no more!” Tanay’s mom

“My sons even include the characters in their evening prayers!” K.J. and Austin’s mom

“We saw the Characters at the Chicago Kids Expo! Thank you for your dedication in reaching out to young children, especially mine. My daughter had a coloring page of all the Characters that were available at the Expo and we discussed the character traits of each. This is also a great learning resource for home school groups. I hope you find a way to reach the thousands of home school children in the Chicago area”…Parent

“Although I am new to the school, Joni’s characters have made an incredible marking on the hearts of these children.” Amy Olsen, Music Teacher

"Miss Joni" was my son's pre-school teacher at age 4. I remember him coming home each day talking about the characters of character and what they had talked about in school that day. Pre-school is the perfect age to start these life long values that shape the way children view themselves and others. I think these characters had a lasting impact on him. He is now 12 years old, a Boy scout, sports enthusiast, and friend to everyone he meets! Thanks Joni! “Amanda , parent

“I led a lesson on Warm Hearted Walrus today. The kids were amazing coming up with different ideas of being kind to others at home and school as well as how they are kind to animals and nature. We made "care packages" for someone who warms our heart! The best part was hearing the students later on in the week saying things like, "Anthony was just like Warm Hearted Walrus! He told me I did a great job reading!" What a fantastic way to teach and reinforce kind, caring behavior!” Jenn, Educator

“I have witnessed first hand the climate and culture change in our school, and heard daily conversations referencing the Characters of Character!” Jen, Principal

Joni has dedicated her life to this incredible and much needed organization, Characters of Character. With so many youths dealing with the stresses of today, it's comforting to know that Joni's creative approach enlightens these children into realizing that they aren't alone with their thoughts, needs and dreams.” Rhonda, parent


Why do I share these comments from others? To show you that what we have created really is relatable to children and are making a difference in the life of a child. These messages, lessons and activities are an important part of building a strong foundation for our children and our youth while gently reminding each and every one of us to be of good character. These are only a few of the comments we’ve received! Our books are available on line, we have different projects supporting our children because sometimes you have to think outside the box! Just as each of our children learn at their own pace, we as adults need to figure out how they best learn and invest in them, they are the future and their presence, their voices will one day change our world. Visit us online to learn more and see how you can make a difference, too.

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