What is the Jaycee Creed?

It was spring in Milwaukee just after World War II. About 12,000 shouting, politicking Jaycees had just taken over the Schroeder Hotel and other nearby establishments for the national Junior Chamber convention there. Neophyte Jaycee Bill Brownfield from Columbus, Ohio had never seen such lively discussions, eager and determined planning to better the community, guests from many lands, magnificent speeches, tears of joy for those who received honors and tears of defeat for those who lost an officer election.

When Brownfield returned home, he wanted to tell everybody what the Jaycees were and what they stood for. It was more than just one thing -- more than just one election or one convention. It was even more than all of the Jaycee activities that were carried on across America and around the world. It was a way of life which young people might make themselves nobler, and make the world a better place for human habitation.

Bill Brownfield put the basic phrases of the Jaycee Creed together within one hour. Soon, they were adopted by Jaycees everywhere. Later, Brownfield added another line that affirmed the Jaycee belief in God. In 1951, Junior Chamber International adopted the Creed in full, and it has transcended ideological, geographical, philosophical, political, and religious barriers even today.

The Alexandria Jaycees recite this Creed at the end of each of our monthly Chapter meetings:

The Jaycee Creed

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 the 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.