The notion of a JCI Creed was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1946 during the United States Junior Chamber National Convention. This convention was attended by visitors from Canada, Mexico, South America, Europe, and the Philippines.

C. William Brownfield, the National Vice-President of the United State Junior Chamber, realized during this convention that the organization did not have a creed. Inspired by the devotion of its members "to the purpose of serving mankind in a thousand different ways, right down at the grassroots where freedom lives or dies." He set out to author one.

The Chamber had "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," as Brownfield saw it.

In July 1946, during a 75-minute drive to work, he came up with the following words and actually wrote them down...

..."That 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.

The first line, "We believe that faith in God gives meaning and purpose to human life," was penned in 1950.

Junior Chamber members have recited the Creed since its inception at meeting and functions. The meaning and interpretation of the Creed has been the topic of much discussion. Brownfield himself said, "Every member is free to interpret the Creed in the light of his own conscience."

This 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..."

Everyone must have some ideal, principle or philosophy to believe in. This includes practicing what is believed to be true.

"...That faith in God gives meaning and purpose to human life..."

This line refers to a supreme omnipotence not a specific deity. It does not matter who or what your God is; the line is saying that you must believe in something. Brownfield's interpretation reads as follows, "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..."

Simply interpreted it means, all men and women are created equal. While it respects one's allegiance to one's country, at the same time, it reenforces the idea that man is a citizen of the world. 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..."

The keywords here are "...can best be won..." Jaycees believe that all people should be allowed to use their skills and abilities to the limit in approving their economy. Brownfield thought "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..."

This means that no one should be above the law and the law should be the same for all people, no matter what status they hold in society. The majority of the people must accept and ratify the constitutional law that the government is based upon. The majority of the people also have the power to change laws and elect governments. Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, spoke of a government "of the people, for the people, and by the people." This line of the Creed goes hand in hand with what Lincoln was speaking of so many decades ago. Brownfield expressed this as meaning: "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..."

The personality of all humans are unique and separate, which makes us different from other creatures of the world. That difference is what makes the human personality earth's greatest treasure. It cannot be made or duplicated. Brownfield's views on this line are: "True treasure lies in the heart's of men. There is about us a vast field of opportunity for the cultivation of the human personality. It is not the quantity or 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."

Those believing in the Creed will undoubtedly find service to humanity to be the best work of life. Note the word humanity. Brownfield's interpretation of this line 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."

There have been many unsuccessful attempts to change the Creed, but it continues to prevail year after year, remaining as the covenant that holds our organization together. As many people interpret the Creed, it is very important to always practice what one believes in. Many people have made the Creed their guide in life.