Extension Professional's Creed

The Extension Professional's Creed was adopted by Epsilon Sigma Phi, the Extension honorary society, in 1927. Even after almost a century, the words still resonate with Extension employees everywhere, describing the work we do, how we do it, and, most importantly, why we do it. The Creed has become a true touchstone that unites us all in service to the people of our states, extending knowledge to change their lives for the better.

In these videos, Mississippi State University Extension employees share their own special interpretation of the words of the Creed.

The Extension Professional’s Creed

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.

I BELIEVE 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.

I BELIEVE 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.

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

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

I BELIEVE in the public institutions of which I am a part.

I BELIEVE 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.

Epsilon Sigma Phi, The National Extension Honorary, adopted 1927