In 1980 the organizers of Operation Snowball met in Springfield, Illinois, and produced a publication entitled, "A Process and Resource Guide to Operation Snowball." This guide was an aid for groups around the state who wanted to begin their own Snowball chapters. Out of this guide came the Operation Snowball credo:

The Credo

We are a Community of Caring.

We are bonded together by similar desires and comparable motivations.

We are a peer leadership resource for youth with problems, especially those of substance abuse and other kinds of self-destructive thought and action.

We believe that each of us has the capacity "and the right to make decisions regarding our lives" when given accurate information and guided to a clearer understanding of ourselves and the people and events which touch our lives.

As individuals, our influence is likely to be as light and fragile as a single snowflake; Collectively, we have the force and power of an avalanche.

Through Operation Snowball, we mutually pledge to seek out youth who are insecure, alienated, dropped-out, turned-off or in conflict with self or society.

We offer them understanding and love; caring and support in making appropriate decisions concerning their lives.

We give our time, our talent, and our effort in service to our peers so that we, together, may meet the future as sensitive, responsible and understanding persons.