The Delray Creed

As some of the United Way for Southeastern Michigan Board members entered into the gym at the Delray Neighborhood House on the Southwest side of Detroit, there we about fifty children---most below the age of 10---sitting in a circle. The day was about to begin for each of them, which meant the "Creed" needed to be said. So together, with the staff, the children began to say:

1. I Love Myself and My Community!

2. I am beautiful Inside and Out!

3. I am Wise!

4. I can do Anything!

5. I will let my Light Shine!

6. I will always Respect Myself, Others, and my Environment!

7. I will Think before I Speak or Act!

Today I pledge to treat everyone the way I want to be treated. Not only do I say the creed daily, I pledge to live it!

As we heard them wrap up the 'Creed', it made me think what our days and/or community might be like if all adults started his/her day with that pledge.

People's Community Services -- which runs the Neighborhood House --- has created a safe, positive and much needed place for children to play/learn/grow. If one is looking for where to find such programs in the tri-county area, you can learn more by calling 211 or by going to United Way for Southeastern Michigan.