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The
Jaycee Creed
That
Faith in God gives meaning
That
the brotherhood of man transcends
That
economic justice can best be won by
That
government should be of laws
That
earth's great treasure lies
And
that service to humanity
Junior Chamber International Mission Statement "To contribute to the advancement of the global
community by providing the opportunity for young people to develop the
leadership skills, social responsibility, entrepreneurship and fellowship
necessary to create positive change."
Jaycees' National History Established in 1920 to provide opportunities for young men to develop personal and leadership skills through service to others, the Jaycees later expanded to include women, reflecting the growing influence and leadership of women in America. For the past 80 years, Jaycees have been a force for good in America and around the world. Jaycees helped establish airmail services in America with Jaycee Charles Lindbergh, and have raised millions of dollars for causes such as the Muscular Dystrophy Association and the March of Dimes. They have built parks, playgrounds, hospitals, ball fields, and housing for the elderly while conducting service and support programs in thousands of communities nationwide. Jaycees can be found in all walks of life: governmental leaders such as pasts Presidents Bill Clinton and Gerald Ford, business tycoons such as Domino’s Pizza mogul Tom Monaghan, registered nurse and former Miss America Kaye Lani Rae Rafko-Wilson, sports heroes like basketball great Larry Bird – name the field and Jaycees can be found at the forefront. With the focus of the nation on volunteerism, from the smallest towns to the largest cities, the Jaycees are enlarging areas of opportunity for young people. The Creed History 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 the Philippine Islands. It was here that the idea of a 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 crisis." 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: The brotherhood of man transcends the sovereignty of nations. In 1950 the first line, "we believe that faith in God gives meaning and purpose to human life," was added. Since it was written, Junior Chamber 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 Creed's Meaning 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. "We believe..." "...That faith in God gives meaning and purpose to human life... " Brownfield interpreted it in this way: "The Junior Chamber membership, drawn from many religious backgrounds, is united by a common bond of faith; that man lives by the will of (his/her) God, that God's will for man is good; and that the life worthwhile is lived in harmony with His eternal plan." "...That the brotherhood of man transcends the sovereignty of nations..." Brownfield put it this way: "Man-made boundaries have been drawn and redrawn, separating the human race into many nations. But across these unnatural divisions there has been an intercourse in art, science, commerce and religion; evidence of man's universal brotherhood; proof that man himself, not his territorial divisions, is of basic worth." "...That economic justice can best be won by free men through free enterprise..." Brownfield expressed it this way: "Where economic improvement has been greatest, man has been free to follow his dream of making a personal fortune by doing something never done before, or by doing it better." He also said, "... the system of self-development through private enterprise could be adapted with variations to suit local conditions in many parts of the world. " "...That government should be of laws rather than of men..." Brownfield expressed the meaning this way: "In a free society, the fundamental law is derived from the people. It is they who hold the final authority." "...That earth's great treasure lies in human personality..." Brownfield's views on this line are: "True treasure lies in the hearts of men. There is about us a vast field of opportunity for cultivation of the human personality. It's not the quantity nor the length of life that gives it zest, but the quality of living, the achievement we make in terms of human progress." "...And that service to humanity is the best work of life." Brownfield's interpretation of 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 greater benefit has been his own." No matter what a member's 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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