| The (JAYCEE) International Creed |
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| (A statement of philosophy and belief) |
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"We believe:
That faith in God gives meaning and purpose to human life;
That the brotherhood of man transcends the sovereignty of nations;
That economic justice can best be won by free men through free enterprise;
That government should be of laws rather than of men;
That earth’s great treasure lies in human personality;
And that service to humanity is the best work of life." |
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The year was 1946; the place, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.A.; the event, the United States Junior
Chamber National Convention. Visitors came from Canada, Mexico, South America, Europe and
Philippine Islands. It was here that the idea of JCI Creed was born.
Past President of the Ohio Junior Chamber and National Vice President of the United States Junior
Chamber C. William Brownfield realized at this convention that the organization did not have a
Creed. He was inspired by the devotion of Junior Chamber members "to the purpose of serving
mankind in a thousand different ways, right down at the grass roots where freedom lives or dies."
Brownfield saw Junior Chamber as "the potential for a new force in the world, one capable of
changing the balance between victory or defeat for our chosen way of life in a time of crises."
The actual writing of the Creed took place in July 1946 during a drive from Brownfield’s hometown
of Columbus, Ohio, to his coal mine in New Lexington, a journey of about 75 minutes. He started
that journey with a firm conviction in his mind to work on the Creed. It was during that trip that the
following words came to mind and were put on paper.
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The brotherhood of man transcends the sovereignty of nations.
Economic justice can best be won by free men through free enterprise.
Government should be of laws rather than of men.
Earth’s great treasure lies in human personality.
Service to humanity is the best work of life. |
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In 1950, the first line, "We believe that faith in God gives meaning and purpose to human life,"
was added.
Since it was written, Jaycee members all over the world recite the Creed at local, national and
international meetings and functions. During that time, there has been much discussion of the
interpretation of the Creed. The author himself said, "Every member is free to interpret the Creed
in the light of his own conscience."
The following interpretation is based on Brownfield’s own views and what is commonly believed
and understood to be the meaning of the Creed to the organization.
"… And that service to humanity is the best work of life."
This final tenet of the Creed is the logical culmination of the preceding lines. A person who believes
in the Creed will most definitely find service to humanity to be the best work of life. Note the word
humanity. Brownfield’s interpretation to this line of the Creed is, "The life lived unselfishly, grows
richer, deeper and fuller. Joy is more enduring and peace of mind, more certain. The world looks at
the contribution such a life has made and marks the one who lived it as a benefactor of the race; yet
he knows in truth the greatest benefits has been his own."
No matter what a members interpretation of the Creed may be, he or she should always practice
what he or she believes. Many unsuccessful attempts have been made to change the Creed, but it
has prevailed through the years and continues to be as the covenant that holds the organization
together. Many members have made the Creed their guide in life.
Brownfield aptly summarized his interpretation of the Creed when he said "Only in the deed can
the word become flesh:"
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