One major attribute that many heroes of character demonstrate is being an UP-stander.

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   1. An UP-stander is someone who takes actions on behalf of others. 
   2. An UP-stander reflects traits such as empathy, compassion, and respect for others – all virtues of heroism.
   3. An UP-stander can also be someone who sticks up for themselves as well as other people facing similar conflicts.

Mike Conn, a teacher from the Milton Area Senior High School in Milton, PA is a true example of an UP-stander.  In 2008, he went on a trip to Asia.  Rather than return home from this trip with some memories and souvenirs, Mike returned with a challenge for his students: Build a school for the impoverished children of Cambodia.

Mike researched ways and organizations that would help them accomplish their goal.  His students created a group called “Team Cambodia” to raise money for the project.  With Mike’s leadership “Team Cambodia” made numerous presentations to civic organizations, schools and churches and in the end raised $30,000!

UP-standers identify problems but rather than sit by and hope for change to happen, they MAKE change happen.

Share stories of when you or someone you know acted as an UP-stander by commenting on this post or writing to info@heroesofcharacter.org.