Word of the Day: Rectitude (CRC) | Walk Straight, Stand Tall
Every young man is building something: his character, his confidence, his reputation, and his future. The choices he makes today can strengthen his path tomorrow, and when young people grow with purpose, families and communities grow stronger too.
Today’s Word of the Day is rectitude.
Rectitude: Walk Straight, Stand Tall
Rectitude is a noun. According to Merriam-Webster, it means:
“The quality or state of being straight”
“Moral integrity; righteousness”
“The quality or state of being correct in judgment or procedure”
In everyday language, rectitude means choosing what is right, fair, and responsible, even when the easier choice is right in front of you.
The word comes from Middle English and Middle French rectitude, from Late Latin rectitudo and Latin rectus, meaning “straight” or “right.” Its first known use dates to the 15th century. Related words include rectangle, a shape with straight lines and right angles, and rectify, meaning to make something right.
Rectitude is its own powerful word. While CRC has explored words such as integrity, veracity, accountability, civility, gravitas, and foresight, today’s word focuses on living upright and making sound choices.
Why does it matter? Rectitude supports success and builds community because doing what is right, even when no one is watching, is what makes a young man trustworthy, and trust is what opens doors for the whole community.
What Rectitude Looks Like in Real Life
For young men and boys, rectitude is not about pretending to be perfect. It is about practicing strong choices one moment at a time.
Rectitude can look like:
Telling the truth when it costs something. Being honest about what happened takes courage.
Keeping your word. If you say you will help, show up and do your part.
Doing the right thing when nobody is watching. Character is built in private choices, not only public moments.
Choosing integrity over shortcuts. A quick win is not worth losing trust.
Standing up for someone being treated unfairly. Speaking up with respect can change the direction of a situation.
A young man who practices rectitude becomes someone others can count on. Teachers notice. Caregivers notice. Friends notice. Over time, those choices can shape opportunities in school, work, leadership, and life.
A Straight Path Can Begin in a Trusted Community Space
Imagine a bright barbershop in Pinellas County. Clippers hum in the background. A young man sits with a book open across his lap while a trusted mentor asks, “What would you do if nobody knew what happened?”
That question creates room for reflection.
Through FROM THE BARBERSHOP TO THE BOARDROOM, CRC brings literacy experiences into barbershops and other trusted community spaces. Reading becomes more than an academic activity. It becomes a way to discuss decision-making, self-awareness, fairness, confidence, and the kind of leader a young person wants to become.
CRC’s 8-program family supports the whole journey, from literacy and civic engagement to safe participation online and in community settings. The Youth Workforce Development and Training program extends that journey by helping young people transition from the shop to the professional world, aligned with the theme “Equipping the Next Generation of Leaders.”
The impact is already visible. In 2024–2025, CRC reached more than 1,100 youth, while recording 1,147 books and 1,147 haircuts through its community-centered work. Each number represents a young person receiving encouragement, access, and a chance to keep moving forward.
Try This Today
Choose one situation where you can practice rectitude before the day ends.
Maybe you need to tell the truth about a mistake. Maybe you promised to complete a chore, return something, or help a friend. Maybe someone is being left out and you can speak up respectfully.
Ask yourself:
“What is the straight, right choice, and what kind of person will I become by making it?”
Then take the next right step.
Caregiver Prompt
At home, in the car, or while waiting for a haircut, ask:
“Tell me about a time you did the right thing even though it was difficult. What happened next?”
Listen without rushing to correct the answer. A thoughtful conversation can help a young man connect his choices to his values. Remind him that rectitude is not about never making mistakes. It is about being willing to face the truth, repair harm, and keep growing.
How to Get Started
Families ready to connect with CRC can follow these steps:
Register at crcbooks.org/getinvolved
Wait for confirmation
Download Booksy
Book “Competitive Readers Cut”
You can also explore CRC’s parent participation page for additional ways to connect.
Stay Connected with CRC
The Competitive Readers Coalition believes literacy can help young people walk into every room with greater confidence, awareness, and purpose.
Visit crcbooks.org to learn more, get involved, and support literacy-centered opportunities for families across St. Petersburg, Pinellas County, and Florida.
Connect with CRC on LinkedIn.
Rectitude is a daily practice: tell the truth, keep your word, choose the right path, and stand tall. When young men walk straight, the whole community moves forward.
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