Programs of Service
Americanism
The Freedom Shrine
The Freedom Shrine is an impressive, permanently mounted collection of 30 of the most important and historic American documents, including the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution of the United States and the Gettysburg Address. These remarkable documents serve as windows to the world of America's proud past. They show our nation's youth the strength and courage of their forefathers by allowing them to read, with their own eyes, the immortal words of inspired Americans who so decisively changed the course of history.
The objective of Exchange is to install a Freedom Shrine in every junior and senior high school in the nation. However, Freedom Shrines have also found places of honor in universities, libraries, state capitols, airports, city halls and other public places where they can be studied and admired.
While Freedom Shrines may be presented at any time of the year, Exchange Clubs are especially urged to conduct at least one presentation during the month of May—Freedom Shrine Month. For more information on the Freedom Shrine, visit the Virtual Freedom Shrine Web site. For purchasing information see the Exchange Marketplace
An outstanding companion to the Freedom Shrine is the Milestones of Freedom program. Consisting of special quizzes based on the Freedom Shrine documents, the program encourages youngsters to gain a deeper understanding of these documents and their importance in the development of the American way of life. The Milestones of Freedom program is conducted in cooperation with local schools. Students posting the top scores are presented with distinctive Liberty Bell Medallion awards by the sponsoring Exchange Club.
The Freedom Shrine is an impressive, permanently mounted collection of 30 of the most important and historic American documents, including the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution of the United States and the Gettysburg Address. These remarkable documents serve as windows to the world of America's proud past. They show our nation's youth the strength and courage of their forefathers by allowing them to read, with their own eyes, the immortal words of inspired Americans who so decisively changed the course of history.
The objective of Exchange is to install a Freedom Shrine in every junior and senior high school in the nation. However, Freedom Shrines have also found places of honor in universities, libraries, state capitols, airports, city halls and other public places where they can be studied and admired.
While Freedom Shrines may be presented at any time of the year, Exchange Clubs are especially urged to conduct at least one presentation during the month of May—Freedom Shrine Month. For more information on the Freedom Shrine, visit the Virtual Freedom Shrine Web site. For purchasing information see the Exchange Marketplace
An outstanding companion to the Freedom Shrine is the Milestones of Freedom program. Consisting of special quizzes based on the Freedom Shrine documents, the program encourages youngsters to gain a deeper understanding of these documents and their importance in the development of the American way of life. The Milestones of Freedom program is conducted in cooperation with local schools. Students posting the top scores are presented with distinctive Liberty Bell Medallion awards by the sponsoring Exchange Club.
GIVEAKIDAFLAGTOWAVE
Just as its tongue-twisting title suggests, this popular projects involves the distribution of small American flags to youngsters at parades, fairs, picnics, school events or other community happenings that generate large crowds. The flags are absolutely free to the children and can make a great souvenir of the occasion.
This is an easily implemented and effective program designed to cultivate a deeper sense of patriotism and to heighten young Americans' appreciation and admiration for our country's flag. Flags with National Exchange Club identification are available from the supply department.
One Nation Under God
The powerful program not only aims to increase appreciation of our rich religious heritage, but also seeks to remind Americans that we must always trust in a higher power for guidance, protection and strength. The famous words of the program's title are, of course, taken from the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. One Nation Under God Month is observed annually during November. Exchange Clubs can implement this program in a variety of worthwhile ways, such as organizing community-wide prayer breakfasts, distributing pamphlets describing the American Flag's history and proper display, sponsoring One Nation Under God essay or poster contests in schools and encouraging attendance at religious services.
Proudly We Hail
No symbol better signifies our nation's greatness or inspires respect and love of country than our American flag—the Stars and Stripes. That is why The National Exchange Club encourages all Americans to properly fly the flag as an ongoing, highly visible expression of that respect. To accomplish this simple goal, Exchange has an effective program known as Proudly we Hail. It encourages regular display of the flag by individuals, commercial establishments and industries by honoring them through the presentation of a specially designed plaque. Every club member can participate in the program because it is the individual member who watches for and nominates potential recipients. This outstanding program promotes Americanism as well as community recognition by the sponsoring Exchange Club.
No symbol better signifies our nation's greatness or inspires respect and love of country than our American flag—the Stars and Stripes. That is why The National Exchange Club encourages all Americans to properly fly the flag as an ongoing, highly visible expression of that respect. To accomplish this simple goal, Exchange has an effective program known as Proudly we Hail. It encourages regular display of the flag by individuals, commercial establishments and industries by honoring them through the presentation of a specially designed plaque. Every club member can participate in the program because it is the individual member who watches for and nominates potential recipients. This outstanding program promotes Americanism as well as community recognition by the sponsoring Exchange Club.
Get Out the Vote!
The real political power in this country lies with people who have never used it—the people who don't vote. The National Exchange Club has developed this project to encourage Americans to "Get Out the Vote." Americans are given the freedom of choice—to choose which candidate to elect or whether to vote at all. An alarming number of citizens are choosing the second option, leaving only a handful of people to decide who will run our country. Through this exciting program, clubs will educate and encourage people not only to register, but to cast their vote on election day.
The real political power in this country lies with people who have never used it—the people who don't vote. The National Exchange Club has developed this project to encourage Americans to "Get Out the Vote." Americans are given the freedom of choice—to choose which candidate to elect or whether to vote at all. An alarming number of citizens are choosing the second option, leaving only a handful of people to decide who will run our country. Through this exciting program, clubs will educate and encourage people not only to register, but to cast their vote on election day.
CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION
The National Exchange Club develops and implements programs which seek to eliminate child abuse and strengthen families. These programs include: more than 100 Exchange Club Centers for the Prevention of Child Abuse, Shaken Baby Syndrome Awareness, Time Out Teddy, Blue Ribbon Campaign, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Awareness, Kidcode and CARS (Children Are Really Special).
The National Exchange Club develops and implements programs which seek to eliminate child abuse and strengthen families. These programs include: more than 100 Exchange Club Centers for the Prevention of Child Abuse, Shaken Baby Syndrome Awareness, Time Out Teddy, Blue Ribbon Campaign, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Awareness, Kidcode and CARS (Children Are Really Special).
Time Out Teddy
How to Take Time Out to be a Better Parent
The National Exchange Club Foundation has adopted Time Out Teddy as its national spokes bear to carry the message of good parenting across America. Your Exchange Club and Center can help by distributing Time Out Teddy brochures, posters and T-shirts to educate both parents and caregivers on a more positive form of discipline.
How to Take Time Out to be a Better Parent
The National Exchange Club Foundation has adopted Time Out Teddy as its national spokes bear to carry the message of good parenting across America. Your Exchange Club and Center can help by distributing Time Out Teddy brochures, posters and T-shirts to educate both parents and caregivers on a more positive form of discipline.
Report Card Inserts
Help Parents Handle Report Card Time
Another effective child abuse prevention program involves distributing report card inserts containing tips for parents. The inserts help show parents a positive approach to dealing with disappointing grades when report cards are brought home.
The program, developed by the Exchange Club Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse of the Trident Area, South Carolina, gives parents the opportunity to review the grades together with their children.
The positive tips provided on the insert are general enough to be non-threatening, yet give parents some valuable insights.
Help Parents Handle Report Card Time
Another effective child abuse prevention program involves distributing report card inserts containing tips for parents. The inserts help show parents a positive approach to dealing with disappointing grades when report cards are brought home.
The program, developed by the Exchange Club Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse of the Trident Area, South Carolina, gives parents the opportunity to review the grades together with their children.
The positive tips provided on the insert are general enough to be non-threatening, yet give parents some valuable insights.
Blue Candle of Hope
The problem of child abuse is often difficult to see, and generating awareness can be difficult to do. By using the Blue Candle of Hope campaign during the holidays, you can encourage those in your community to show support for children everywhere.
The problem of child abuse is often difficult to see, and generating awareness can be difficult to do. By using the Blue Candle of Hope campaign during the holidays, you can encourage those in your community to show support for children everywhere.
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Preventing Child Abuse In the Womb
As part of its ongoing mission to prevent child abuse, the Foundation focuses on preventing sexual, emotional, and physical abuse as well as neglect. But there is yet another challenge that many consider to be child abuse in the womb—Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS). To help meet this challenge, the National Exchange Club Foundation is conducting an educational awareness campaign on the seriousness of drinking alcohol during pregnancy.
Preventing Child Abuse In the Womb
As part of its ongoing mission to prevent child abuse, the Foundation focuses on preventing sexual, emotional, and physical abuse as well as neglect. But there is yet another challenge that many consider to be child abuse in the womb—Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS). To help meet this challenge, the National Exchange Club Foundation is conducting an educational awareness campaign on the seriousness of drinking alcohol during pregnancy.
Believe In The Blue
Believe in the Blue is an effort to reach families all across the nation with positive parenting tips. Exchange believes parents have the power to make positive parenting choices in the lives of their children and is offering some easy-to-use tips to help all parents. In April, during Child Abuse Prevention month, Exchange Club members across the country give away hundreds of thousands of tip cards to parents and caregivers during a two-hour period.
Believe in the Blue is an effort to reach families all across the nation with positive parenting tips. Exchange believes parents have the power to make positive parenting choices in the lives of their children and is offering some easy-to-use tips to help all parents. In April, during Child Abuse Prevention month, Exchange Club members across the country give away hundreds of thousands of tip cards to parents and caregivers during a two-hour period.
Shaken Baby Syndrome
BABIES. Just the word suggests warm feelings, tender moments and innocent little people who depend on parents, grandparents, siblings, and other caregivers to love and care for them. However, there is another side to caring for a baby or small child that isn’t talked about much—the feelings of being frustrated, overwhelmed, and alone.
These are normal feelings to have while taking care of a baby. After all, it is a big responsibility for anyone. Many times the stresses of day-to-day life—fatigue, family problems, financial strain, and overworking—can make someone reach a breaking point, especially if a baby is fussy and crying for a long period of time. It happens to mothers, fathers, family members, day care providers, friends and even teenagers who are babysitting for just a few hours a day. Unfortunately, babies and small children are the victims when feelings of frustration result in violent shaking to stop the child from crying.
BABIES. Just the word suggests warm feelings, tender moments and innocent little people who depend on parents, grandparents, siblings, and other caregivers to love and care for them. However, there is another side to caring for a baby or small child that isn’t talked about much—the feelings of being frustrated, overwhelmed, and alone.
These are normal feelings to have while taking care of a baby. After all, it is a big responsibility for anyone. Many times the stresses of day-to-day life—fatigue, family problems, financial strain, and overworking—can make someone reach a breaking point, especially if a baby is fussy and crying for a long period of time. It happens to mothers, fathers, family members, day care providers, friends and even teenagers who are babysitting for just a few hours a day. Unfortunately, babies and small children are the victims when feelings of frustration result in violent shaking to stop the child from crying.
Blue Ribbon
The blue ribbon symbolizes the more than 3.2 million reports of abuse each year to Child Protective Services (CPS) throughout the United States. During the month of April, Child Abuse Prevention Month, Exchange Clubs can conduct a local Blue Ribbon Campaign.
The campaign focuses on distributing Blue Ribbon cutout cards and Blue Ribbon pins to raise funds both locally and nationally.
Each Exchange Club is asked to distribute either Blue Ribbon cutout cards or pins throughout the club’s community to symbolize hope for those affected by child abuse.
The blue ribbon symbolizes the more than 3.2 million reports of abuse each year to Child Protective Services (CPS) throughout the United States. During the month of April, Child Abuse Prevention Month, Exchange Clubs can conduct a local Blue Ribbon Campaign.
The campaign focuses on distributing Blue Ribbon cutout cards and Blue Ribbon pins to raise funds both locally and nationally.
Each Exchange Club is asked to distribute either Blue Ribbon cutout cards or pins throughout the club’s community to symbolize hope for those affected by child abuse.
Exchange Club Centers
The National Exchange Club and its Foundation are committed to making a difference in the lives of children, families, and our communities through the prevention of child abuse and to secure the future of Exchange.
Child abuse prevention was adopted as Exchange’s national project in 1979. Since then, the Foundation has coordinated a national network of more than 100 Exchange Club Child Abuse Prevention Centers across the United States.
These centers all share one exceptional, common quality, the parent aide program. Parent aides are individuals who are trained and supervised by Exchange Club Center staff. This supervision includes an in-depth initial training, individual conferences, and monthly group meetings. Parent aides then enter the homes and lives of families at-risk for abuse, or where abuse has occurred. The main goal of a parent aide is to help parents learn how to cope with life’s daily challenges, and how to raise their children in a more positive environment. The long-term supportive relationship that develops between the parent aide and family helps to break the cycle of abuse.
To date, more than 545,000 families and 1.3 million children have been helped by the Exchange Club Child Abuse Prevention Center network.
The National Exchange Club and its Foundation are committed to making a difference in the lives of children, families, and our communities through the prevention of child abuse and to secure the future of Exchange.
Child abuse prevention was adopted as Exchange’s national project in 1979. Since then, the Foundation has coordinated a national network of more than 100 Exchange Club Child Abuse Prevention Centers across the United States.
These centers all share one exceptional, common quality, the parent aide program. Parent aides are individuals who are trained and supervised by Exchange Club Center staff. This supervision includes an in-depth initial training, individual conferences, and monthly group meetings. Parent aides then enter the homes and lives of families at-risk for abuse, or where abuse has occurred. The main goal of a parent aide is to help parents learn how to cope with life’s daily challenges, and how to raise their children in a more positive environment. The long-term supportive relationship that develops between the parent aide and family helps to break the cycle of abuse.
To date, more than 545,000 families and 1.3 million children have been helped by the Exchange Club Child Abuse Prevention Center network.
Exchange Club Centers
The National Exchange Club and its Foundation are committed to making a difference in the lives of children, families, and our communities through the prevention of child abuse and to secure the future of Exchange.
Child abuse prevention was adopted as Exchange’s national project in 1979. Since then, the Foundation has coordinated a national network of more than 100 Exchange Club Child Abuse Prevention Centers across the United States.
These centers all share one exceptional, common quality, the parent aide program. Parent aides are individuals who are trained and supervised by Exchange Club Center staff. This supervision includes an in-depth initial training, individual conferences, and monthly group meetings. Parent aides then enter the homes and lives of families at-risk for abuse, or where abuse has occurred. The main goal of a parent aide is to help parents learn how to cope with life’s daily challenges, and how to raise their children in a more positive environment. The long-term supportive relationship that develops between the parent aide and family helps to break the cycle of abuse.
To date, more than 545,000 families and 1.3 million children have been helped by the Exchange Club Child Abuse Prevention Center network.
The National Exchange Club and its Foundation are committed to making a difference in the lives of children, families, and our communities through the prevention of child abuse and to secure the future of Exchange.
Child abuse prevention was adopted as Exchange’s national project in 1979. Since then, the Foundation has coordinated a national network of more than 100 Exchange Club Child Abuse Prevention Centers across the United States.
These centers all share one exceptional, common quality, the parent aide program. Parent aides are individuals who are trained and supervised by Exchange Club Center staff. This supervision includes an in-depth initial training, individual conferences, and monthly group meetings. Parent aides then enter the homes and lives of families at-risk for abuse, or where abuse has occurred. The main goal of a parent aide is to help parents learn how to cope with life’s daily challenges, and how to raise their children in a more positive environment. The long-term supportive relationship that develops between the parent aide and family helps to break the cycle of abuse.
To date, more than 545,000 families and 1.3 million children have been helped by the Exchange Club Child Abuse Prevention Center network.
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Community service is the lifeline of Exchange. Exchange Clubs across the country spend countless hours and dollars improving their communities each year. In fact, many of the projects within the Program of Service have a common goal of serving and benefiting our communities. Then why a separate category called Community Service? Because while the programs listed under Child Abuse Prevention, Youth and Americanism focus on specific areas within the community, the following projects are more broad in scope and are designed to benefit every community member.
The history of Exchange’s community service projects is quite impressive. Since the first group of Exchangites convened in 1911 in Detroit, Mich., Exchange has been dedicated to serving its communities through various projects. Throughout the years, Exchange Clubs have been responsible for community improvements of all types such as: cleaning up highways; sponsoring cultural programs, air, art and industrial shows, state and county fairs, festivals, rodeos and athletic events. These clubs have also provided millions of dollars for scholarships, gifts, equipment, sponsorships, educational endeavors and other causes.
This is only a partial list of the programs offered by the National Exchange Club. National Headquarters has many printed materials to assist clubs in their efforts to better their communities through our Program of Service. Click here to download a Community Service Guide. Please call 800-XCHANGE or e-mail info@nationalexchangeclub.org for more information.
Community service is the lifeline of Exchange. Exchange Clubs across the country spend countless hours and dollars improving their communities each year. In fact, many of the projects within the Program of Service have a common goal of serving and benefiting our communities. Then why a separate category called Community Service? Because while the programs listed under Child Abuse Prevention, Youth and Americanism focus on specific areas within the community, the following projects are more broad in scope and are designed to benefit every community member.
The history of Exchange’s community service projects is quite impressive. Since the first group of Exchangites convened in 1911 in Detroit, Mich., Exchange has been dedicated to serving its communities through various projects. Throughout the years, Exchange Clubs have been responsible for community improvements of all types such as: cleaning up highways; sponsoring cultural programs, air, art and industrial shows, state and county fairs, festivals, rodeos and athletic events. These clubs have also provided millions of dollars for scholarships, gifts, equipment, sponsorships, educational endeavors and other causes.
This is only a partial list of the programs offered by the National Exchange Club. National Headquarters has many printed materials to assist clubs in their efforts to better their communities through our Program of Service. Click here to download a Community Service Guide. Please call 800-XCHANGE or e-mail info@nationalexchangeclub.org for more information.
Crime and Fire Prevention
Purpose
Crime and Fire Prevention, has been a major avenue of Exchange service since the 1940s. Since its inception, Exchange’s crime and fire prevention program has been endorsed by nearly every U.S. President, and many of the nation’s leading law enforcement officials. The majority of clubs kick off their anticrime campaigns during October, National Crime Prevention Month.
Any club searching for a program with a clear commitment to community safety will find the crime and fire prevention projects ideal. The primary objectives of these projects are:
1. To educate the public.
2. To help eliminate crime and the causes of fires.
3. To teach people how to safeguard themselves against the dangers around them.
Following is a list of crime prevention programs in which your club is encouraged to participate. Clubs starting these projects are urged to gear their activities to the entire year, not only October. Click here to view the Crime and Fire Prevention Guide.
Programs
Junior PoliceMy Day in CourtCyber TiplineChild Identification/FingerprintingCrime Prevention for SeniorsAlarm for LifeLaw Enforcement Officer/Firefighter of the YearBlue & Gold Wounded in Service Award
Purpose
Crime and Fire Prevention, has been a major avenue of Exchange service since the 1940s. Since its inception, Exchange’s crime and fire prevention program has been endorsed by nearly every U.S. President, and many of the nation’s leading law enforcement officials. The majority of clubs kick off their anticrime campaigns during October, National Crime Prevention Month.
Any club searching for a program with a clear commitment to community safety will find the crime and fire prevention projects ideal. The primary objectives of these projects are:
1. To educate the public.
2. To help eliminate crime and the causes of fires.
3. To teach people how to safeguard themselves against the dangers around them.
Following is a list of crime prevention programs in which your club is encouraged to participate. Clubs starting these projects are urged to gear their activities to the entire year, not only October. Click here to view the Crime and Fire Prevention Guide.
Programs
Junior PoliceMy Day in CourtCyber TiplineChild Identification/FingerprintingCrime Prevention for SeniorsAlarm for LifeLaw Enforcement Officer/Firefighter of the YearBlue & Gold Wounded in Service Award
YOUTH PROJECTS
2010-2011 Youth of the Year Theme is:
America’s youth and Community Service: Shining the light of volunteerism.
America’s young people are its most precious resource. This is why, for many years, Exchange has sponsored an impressive selection of activities designed to benefit and encourage our nation’s youth. Many of these richly rewarding programs are among the most popular and well-supported of all Exchange Club endeavors.
There is a variety of youth-related projects in which your club can participate. Of course, your participation is not limited to the programs specified in this book. After performing your community needs assessment, a tool which is available from your National Headquarters, you will determine which programs are most suitable for your area.
Recognition of a well-deserving youth could have an impact on his or her entire future. One National Youth of the Year Award recipient put it this way:
As a young man from an almost unknown town, the award proved to me that dreams can be reached. This award helped me to gain the necessary self-confidence to cope with the many hurdles associated with the acquisition of an education. It taught me that with hard work and support of others, the sky was the limit. I knew that my career aspirations could become a reality.
Your club will make a difference when it conducts Exchange’s youth programs in your community.
National Headquarters has many printed materials to assist clubs in their efforts to better their communities through our Program of Service. Click here to download a Youth Projects Guide. Please call 800-XCHANGE or e-mail info@nationalexchangeclub.org for more information.Youth of the Month/Year AwardYoung Citizenship AwardA.C.E. AwardEXCEL ClubsKids As PeacemakersOther Youth Project Ideas
For More Information on effective programs to assist youth click here.