Barbara Patton: Vow of character, ethics applied in Opelika

By: Barbara Patton Columnist | Opelika Auburn News
Published: March 10, 2009

I believe in personal integrity, ethical conduct, honesty, and fair play.

I believe in the right of every person to expect all of my actions to reflect those beliefs.

I believe that every act, which is unethical, dishonest or unfair, is harmful to someone; if it is my act, then it is harmful to me as well as to others.

Therefore, from this day forward I promise that:

I will live my life in all of its aspects according to the highest ethical standards, and at every opportunity encourage others to do the same;

I will weigh all my decisions and actions carefully to ensure honesty and fair play;

I will put the welfare and best interests of others ahead of my own at all times;

And I will strive daily to keep this promise, which I make to myself as well as to all who my life touches, knowing that my family, my community and the world will all be better for my effort, as will I.
Those are the words of a vow penned by Jim Rotch who is also the author of The Birmingham Pledge. This pledge was included in John Archibald’s column in The Birmingham News that was given to me by my friend, Nell Samford. It’s so new, it hasn’t been named. In fact, they are asking for suggestions.

Reading about this brought a flood of memories connected with Jim and the passion and commitment he had for recognizing the importance of every individual regardless of race or color when he penned The Birmingham Pledge in 1997. A pledge that now has worldwide recognition has been signed by tens of thousands of people and has promoted a personal commitment to eliminate prejudice and racism one person at a time.

Rotch has been a visitor to the city of Opelika and was the speaker at the 2002 Chamber of Commerce dinner when he spoke of his origination of The Birmingham Pledge that begins, “I believe that every person has worth as an individual.”

Every member of the Opelika City Council at that time signed the pledge and/or a resolution was adopted and the Opelika Chamber of Commerce had the cards for people to sign and mail in.

Do any of you remember that? People are still signing today and mailing these in to be recorded.

Also, several years back the Envision Opelika’s Race Relations/Cultural Diversity Task Force (now the Cultural Unity Task Force) under the chairmanship of Allen Samford had an essay and art contest for the Boys and Girls Club at the Potter Daniel Unit and the basis for the contest was The Birmingham Pledge. There were some excellent entries.

Have you noticed the character traits that are being recognized and emphasized by the Opelika City Schools, Envision Opelika’s Character Council, and other groups and individuals? Some of the very words used in Rotch’s vow have been included. Look around. It will remind you to be the best, most ethical person you can be.

Barbara Patton is director of Envision Opelika and writes a column for the Opelika-Auburn News.