Mission and History
The Jaycee Creed
by C. William Brownfield
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.
The Jaycees were 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 83 years, Jaycees have been a force for good in America and around the world.
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.
Jaycees can be found in all walks of life. Simply name the field and the Jaycees can be found at the forefront:
- • Past Presidents Bill Clinton and Gerald Ford
- • Tom Monaghan, Domino’s Pizza mogul
- • Former Miss America and RN Kaye Lani Rae S
- • Larry Bird, former basketball player
The Jaycees have:
- • helped establish AirMail services in America with Jaycee Charles Lindbergh
- • raised over millions of dollars for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, the March of Dimes, etc.
- • built parks, playgrounds, hospitals, ball fields, and housing for the elderly
- • conducted service and support programs in communities nationwide
