The Extension Professional's Creed

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The Creed, adopted in 1927 by Epsilon Sigma Phi (the Extension honorary society), describes Extension work and provides a uniting touchstone for Extension professionals. I happened upon it at a conference and loved it; I felt like it really resonated with what I want to do and who I want to be.

I BELIEVE...

in people and their hopes, their aspirations, and their faith; in their right to make their own plans and arrive at their own decisions; in their ability and power to enlarge their lives and plan for the happiness of those they love.

that education, of which Extension work is an essential part, is basic in stimulating individual initiative, self-determination, and leadership; that these are the keys to democracy; and that people, when given facts they understand, will act not only in their self-interest, but also in the interest of society.

that education is a lifelong process and the greatest university is the home; that my success as a teacher is proportional to those qualities of mind and spirit that give me welcome entrance to the homes of the families I serve.

in intellectual freedom to search for and present the truth without bias and with courteous tolerance toward the views of others.

that Extension is the link between the people and the ever-changing discoveries in the laboratories.

in the public institutions of which I am a part.

in my own work and in the opportunity I have to make my life useful to humanity.

BECAUSE I BELIEVE THESE THINGS, I am an Extension professional.