We Believe

This last weekend was our annual DGM and Salmon feed and while it was a great weekend it prompted me to think about some of the things that we have let slide in recent years. Traditions and awards, competitions and socials, all of these things made the Jaycees what they were in their prime and built the foundation that we are built on today. In the past few years the Jaycees as a whole have been suffering from a loss of momentum and a loss of members. Part of this is due to a false but bad reputation that has made potential new members shy away and part of this is due to the perceived lack of benefit for the existing members. I know that in our chapter this has not had as big an impact as in other places but as a member said to me last night we may just be behind the curve. I am proud of our chapter and all of the work that we do. I am proud of the face that not only do we manage to retain most of our members but we added two new members last night. But what do we get out of it? What's in it for me? As a member I can say that I have had many benefits from being part of this organization. I have had the chance to travel and meet people from around the state. I have had the ability to grow, both personally and professionally. And I have made friends that will last a lifetime. The Jaycees are not a social organization but it has the ability to create bonds and friendships that can bridge generations, personal backgrounds, politics, religious affiliations, and any other differences that can arise. The reason that our organization is able to accomplish this is because of the traditions and awards, competitions and socials that we were built on. None of these more so than the Jaycee Creed. I was ashamed that this weekend when I asked our State President to lead us in the Creed I did not know it well enough to continue on my own when she faltered. Again last night as we inducted our newest JCI Senator she asked us how many people could recite the Jaycee Creed and I could not raise my hand. I would like us all to be bale to raise our hands when someone asks us if we know the Jaycee Creed. I feel that the Creed is something that all members should know because it states the reasons that we are all Jaycees and the things that we stand for. Having said this I would like to say that 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!!!