The NYA community expects its members to pursue these character traits:

Respect

• Expressing tolerance toward others with words and actions.
• Interacting politely and appropriately with others.
• Caring for one’s surroundings.
• Valuing self and others.

Honesty

• Seeking to tell the truth.
• Accepting ownership and responsibility for actions and work.
• Establishing and maintaining trust in all relationships.

Perseverance

• Persisting in the face of challenges.
• Continuing to do the right things when it is difficult.
• Making consistent ethical choices.

Compassion

• Being sensitive to the feelings, perspectives, and needs of others.
• Reaching out to and helping those in need.
• Showing empathy by being sensitive to the perspectives, needs and feelings of others.
• Standing up for others.

Responsibility

• Demonstrating accountability for personal behavior.
• Taking the initiative to do the things that are expected of one.
• Following through with commitments and obligations.