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Initiative (vs. idleness)
November 2009

PACC compass

131 North Court Street
Prattville, AL 36067
Dear Teresa,

Our monthly newsletter focuses on the Character Trait for that month, giving examples of practical application to the definition of the trait. Please feel free to share with your friends, family, and co-workers. Our goal is to have a community that is grounded on the principles of good character, with our citizens exhibiting a spirit of excellence in how we conduct our lives.
Share your vision!
Mary Beth Pritchard
Prattville-Autauga Character Coalition, Inc.
What is Initiative?

Taking initiative is to "recognize and do what needs to be done before I'm asked."

This is a character trait that athletes, artisans, employees, children at home, students, parents, or simply anyone can learn to demonstrate.  Taking initiative is not hard, it simply requires action on our part. Once we recognize a situation that could benefit from our actions, all we have to do is "act'.

Here are some simple examples of taking initiative that can make our surroundings a better place to live... pick up litter when you walk across a parking lot; return a stray buggy to the corral at the store;  help an elderly person with their groceries; say a kind word to someone who looks like they could use a smile; or acknowledge the demonstration of good character in your employees.

These kind of actions require very little effort, yet can make a significant difference in a person's day.  They also go a long way to benefit our society in general.  By taking initiative it is possible to make our streets safer by responsible driving; make our environment cleaner by recycling;  make our businesses more productive by recognizing and doing the right thing to achieve the goals of the business; and make our schools safer by standing up for what is right, even if it is a difficult situation.

Imagine living in a society where no one took initiative to make things better.  No, really; think about it.  What would that look like?  Chaos is one word that comes to mind. Thankfully, we do not live in such a society.  We are blessed to live in a community where we, as citizens of good character, take pride in our resources and our surroundings.
Visions of Character

~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Keys of Initiative
This month, take our Character Pledge and Commit to:

Do what is right before being told

Not put off until tomorrow the things I can do today

Contribute to the success of the whole  team

Be a part of the solution rather than the problem

Look for ways to help others
PACC mission
Hindrances to "Initiative"
Leaving unfinished projects and unnecessary clutter

Assuming someone else will do it

Allowing busyness to interfere with responsibility

Losing others' trust by failing to act or acting without thinking

Waiting for a perfect time which never comes
For more information, visit the Prattville Autauga Character Coalition website at or email Mary Beth Pritchard at
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Prattville-Autauga Character Coalition, Inc. | 334-365-7392 | 131 North Court Street | Prattville | AL | 36067