During the 1940s, Exchange had organized its club activities around seven areas of service that included: education; agriculture; aviation; citizenship; commerce and industry; federal youth rehabilitation; youth and geriatrics. In the mid 1960s, Exchange adopted its National Programs of Service. Also known as the four "pillars" of Exchange, the National Programs of Service brought into greater foc
us the most pressing issues of the day and affords local clubs the ability to structure activities according to their specific community. The programs include:
Americanism
Youth Programs
Community Service
Our National Project--The Prevention of Child Abuse
AMERICANISM PROJECTS
Promoting pride in country, respect for the flag and appreciation of our freedoms are the primary purposes of Exchange's Americanism programs. The tumultuous struggles of world powers in the twentieth century have done little to guarantee a peaceful future for the majority of the world's people. However, there's one country in modern times that people flock to for safety, freedom and opportunity — the United States of America. It is hard for Americans to imagine the horrors of modern struggles over religious and ethnic differences, the very differences we embrace. Exchange's Americanism programs were born in the aftermath of World War II. At that time, patriotism was unquenchable, and Exchangites joined veterans and other civic groups in heralding the rich blessings of democracy. National Headquarters has many printed materials to assist clubs in their efforts to better their communities through our Programs of Service
A MORE PERFECT UNION
September 17 is an Americanism service project waiting to happen! A 2005 Federal law requires all public and private schools that receive federal money to hold an educational program on the U.S. This requirement provides the perfect opportunity for your Exchange Club to help schools and students celebrate our heritage! Free activities and resource materials are also available through the NCCS web site, including: One way to do this is by providing each local school with a DVD copy of “A More Perfect Union,” a 2-hour movie that recreates the debates surrounding the creation of the U.S. A free copy of the DVD is available to Exchange Clubs upon request; to receive your copy, send an e-mail to: [email protected]. The movie was made under the direction of the Commission on the Bicentennial of the United States Constitution and was filmed on location at such historical sites as Independence Hall in Philadelphia, PA, and Williamsburg, VA. The educational version of the movie is now available for only $3 each (quantities of 10 or more) through the National Center for Constitutional Studies (NCCS). Enhance the experience by adding a pocket edition copy of the U.S. Constitution, also available through NCCS, for 50 cents each. Teacher’s Guide to “A More Perfect Union.”
A sample proclamation to be completed. A quiz to be taken after viewing the movie. Framing the U.S. Constitution word hunt. The Constitution at a Glance. YOUTH PROGRAMS
2013-2014 Youth of the Year Theme is "Parading the Spirit of Community Service with Passion and Commitment." 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. 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. Click here to download a Community Service Guide. Please call 800-XCHANGE or e-mail [email protected] for more information. Secure and healthy families are the foundation of healthy and safe homes as well as strong communities. Exchange Clubs and Exchange Club Child Abuse Prevention (CAP) Centers across the country help build this foundation. At the heart of our efforts is the Exchange Parent Aide program, facilitated through Exchange Club CAP Centers across the country. Parent Aides are trained and professionally supervised individuals who work in the homes of families to provide education and support. Parent Aides are mentors for families. In addition to the Parent Aide program, these centers also provide a variety of other supportive services. Exchange Club members support this effort in a variety of ways---from distributing educational information to volunteering to raising funds for CAP programs. The CAP Services Department of The National Exchange Club hopes the information on our site will help families---and those who support and encourage families---as they seek to understand and problem-solve the various challenges that come with raising children.
