Why A Golden Rule Award? Why A Roast?

As we step into the final preparations for our Golden Rule event, I find myself pondering the whole point of bestowing an award, no less hosting a roast. As I consider the concept, what I rest into, is the ability to hear and see the reality of living a life of character. We talk a great deal about character development, yet having the chance to hear about a person who lives it, is the gift. 

Selecting Jim Bailey as the recipient this year was easy from many perspectives. His nomination came through a Board member and the discussion that ensued, inspired a rich and lively discussion about the day to day expression of a life of character.

The decision to do a roast blossomed when we discussed how to we PROVE a life of character. A life of character is not only measured in the accomplishments of a person but also in the company one keeps. Jim's dedication to our city, has helped him forge meaningful and well established relationships through out our city. 

As we worked with Jim to establish his roaster line up, I sat in awe of his "go to" colleagues. While creating a full view of his life, it became clear that the PROOF is in the caliber of people who esteem Jim and his life's journey and are willing to put their reputation's on the line speaking about him. What a powerful way to comprehend a life well lived!

Our roasters will include: Bruce Barcelo, Howard Coker, Terri Davlantes, Ray Driver, Bob Gay,  Hon. Denise Lee, Hon. Don Moran, Ed Nimnicht  and Toney Sleiman.

This group is a great cross section of our city and is full of passion for character! 

This list of individuals highlights the impact a character based life has in our community. As we seek to bring the discussions of character and ethics to the forefront of our community, this esteemed list of people is an amazing testament to the importance of these discussions. 

We are looking forward to hearing the not only fun perspectives these individuals hold but the valuable character lessons as well.  As a community that is working diligently to grow, we all know that character and ethics must be at the core of our ongoing evolution. 

Read more about Jim and his legacy of character!
Arbus Magazine: Forces of Character | Jim Bailey: Creative Collaborator
Advantage Business Magazine | Jim Bailey | 100 Years of Lessons 



Learn about past recipients!

Ebbs and Flows | Lessons From The Edge

Canyon Walls Ebb and Flow
Fine Art Print - Darcy Michaelchuk

Are you building a dream? Then you know what I am talking about....if you are getting ready to build one,
listen up!! Forewarned is forearmed!

What will ebb and flow?
Focus
Energy
Resources
Supporters
Ideas
and the biggie...FAITH

This is reality. I have spoken to scores of people who are breaking ground with new ideas and this is a topic that is huge. The question is, how do you respect this natural process and continue on the quest? 

My career has been built upon the creative process, each and every day I look to the beautiful things and people in my life, I am inspired. Looking for beauty in ALL is what I have come to learn helps me through the ebbs and flows. I have finally learned that the dark has as much to teach as the light, that adversity has as many blessings as abundance and that pain is rich with as much joy as pleasure.

Yes, these are pretty deep thoughts and yet simple too. As we rebuild our economy on new ideas and principles, knowing these truths is critical. Most of us are no longer in the place and space of being unconscious. If we are able to truly see and accept these principles, then moving through the ebbs and flows becomes a process of joy vs suffering. 

Each of us has a choice to be in the flow of it all or fight it. Taking time to look at the ebbs and flows and allowing ourselves to recognize that the ebbs are here for us to reach out beyond ourselves. 

Some people want to be with us in the flows for sure! Other people are there for the ebbs, and the RARE ones are able to be both. Knowing this truth is a blessing. Keeping yourself aware of it and knowing that even you are sometimes with you and sometimes not. Ahh yes, that biggie...FAITH. 

Keeping the faith...is at the root of it all. Keeping faith in self, the idea, the world, the reason...this is where the courageous succeed!

Today...be Courageously Faithful! Know your dreams and goals are real! And KNOW they will come to be if you stick with them!!

Youth Justice Awareness Month

Click to learn more

I met Michelle Stephens just about a year ago. She was referred to me as a mother who was working to bring awareness of the issues of youth justice. 

As she shared her journey as a mother, a citizen and a woman, she revealed her faith that change is possible. She also expressed her fear that working for change would put her son at risk within the system. As we continued getting to know each other and continued to speak about the issues, she became clear that she wanted to DO something. I bore witness to her courage and deep belief in what is right.

After  a bit of researching she found the Campaign for Youth Justice. As she learned more, it became clear that their work aligned to her beliefs and her passion to create change.

As she explored, we began discussing being brave enough to create an event here in Jacksonville. One conversation led to another and as she became impassioned about the event, enthusiasm built.

She worked to bring meaningful content and partners around the table including The Southern Poverty Center;  the Children's Campaign; Author, Betty Burney; Film Director, Karen Grau and Character Counts! in Jacksonville.

On October 13th in Jacksonville, Florida, Alliance for Youth Justice Parent Michelle Stephens and the Southern Poverty Law Center are hosting a film screening and discussion of Young Kids, Hard Time, which aired on MSNBC in November 2011. Film Director Karen Grau will attend to discuss the experience of filming young kids serving multi-decade sentences and her thoughts on the practice of trying youth as adults.

The event is designed to shed light on the current situation and educate on ways we can work together to make change. 

For more information call Michelle Stephens
at 904-338-1734 or krmdstephens@comcast.net

24 Hours Conscious Creative Jamming

The creative community is invited to create and donate! Come out for a fun action packed creative adventure with your bestest and most inspiring friends. AIGA, JAMA, to name a few...

Character Counts! is turning to the creative community to create a mess of upcycled objects, that we can then sell to raise funds so we can renovate our new space.

This initial Jamming session will help to stock the
Conscious Market at our upcoming fundraiser in January
at Intuition Ale works.

We shall be creating t-shirts, lunch bags, insulated mugs...to name a few! We will have sewing machines, paints, markers and all sorts of creative materials for you to express one of the Six Pillars of Character. Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring and Citizenship.

There will be music and food to fuel the fun...hope to see ya there!! Friday eve, BYOB. Remember this is Character Counts! so no raucous behavior, ok my creative peeps!!

Bring along any new/barely used ugly shirts you might have. Ties and scarves also welcome, especially those theme ones...all kinds of fun to be had with those...

Call Florence if you would like to Participate! 904-612-3934

CC!inJAX Bake Off Bakers | Mary Dronkers From Charmed Cakes

Meet Mary Dronkers, owner of Charmed Cakes here in Jacksonville. It was inspiring to hear her views on character and ethics. Love how her Navy background inspires her business and creative spirit. Who knew the Navy could inspire cakes!

CC!inJAX Bake Off Bakers | Le Chat Noir - Patty Kirky

Learn more about Patty Kirky and what drives her heart and business! Understand what inspires her successful business and how her good character keeps her moving forward and creating yummy creations!

CC!inJAX Bake Off Bakers | Ryan & Violet Olds Skinner

Meet Ryan & Violet Olds Skinner - Responsible and fun all at the same time!  - Violet was actually the brainstorming creative mind behind the bake off idea. Her enthusiasm and faith, helped us see, we could make it happen!!

To learn more about them ...