What is Exchange?


What is Exchange?

	AT A GLANCE
WHO ARE WE:	The National Exchange Club is a nonprofit, community service organization comprised of some 33,000 members and 1,000 clubs throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. These individuals volunteer their time to strengthen their communities. One hundred percent of the money raiseed for projects is used toward the program of service. The history of the organization dates back to the late 1800s when a group of businessmen began meeting for lunch to exchange business leads and information. When the club formally organized in 1911, the name Exchange was chosen because of this exchange of information. Exchange became a national organization in 1917 and established its headquarters in Toledo, Ohio. This club was established in San Jose in 1949 as a downtown service club.
HOW DO WE HELP:	The National Exchange Club's Program of Service includes Child Abuse Prevention, Community Service, Youth and Americanism projects. These programs are designed to meet the needs of communities across the nation, as well as strengthen and preserve the principles which make America great. more on Program of Service
WHEN DO WE MEET:	The Exchange Club of San Jose meets Tuesday at 12:15 p.m. at the Park Plaza Hotel, located at 1355 North Fourt Street, just north of the 880 overpass.
TO PARTICIPATE CONTACT:	Rob Nuddleman, Secretary/Treasurer (408) 293-6341 nuddleman@mindspring.com
WHERE TO SEND CONTRIBUTIONS:	Exchage Club of San Jose 95 South Market Street, #500 San Jose, CA 95113

Program of Service

Exchange Clubs are not required to participate in each of these programs. Instead, clubs are encouraged to survey their communities and their members to determine which needs should be addressed.

Americanism

Promotion of pride in our country, as well as respect for our flag and appreciation of our freedoms, are the goal of Exchange's Americanism projects. On of our most popular projects is dedicating a Freedom Shrine to a school, library or other public place for the enjoyment and education of all. A Freedom Shrine is an impressive collection of replicas of some of the most important documents in our country's history. Other projects include distributing small American flags at parades and honoring members of the community who regularly display the American flag.

Community Service

The Community Service category includes a nationally recognized Crime Prevention program, as well as the Fire Prevention and Service to Senior. The Book of Golden Deeds Award honors the unsung heroes in our communities who would otherwise go unrecognized. Exchange Clubs provide an array of services depending on the specific needs of the community.

Youth

Exchange Clubs promote a number of youth programs designed to honor and encourage the leaders of tomorrow. Among these are the Youth of the Month/Year Award, Young Citizenship Award, and A.C.E. Award, which is presented to students who have overcome great obstacles to achieve their goals. EXCEL Clubs are Exchange Clubs comprised of high school students dedicated to improving their schools and communities.

Our National Project - Prevention of Child Abuse

Exchange Clubs are committed to one national project - the prevention of child abuse. Each year, millions of children are affected by abuse and neglect. Since child abuse prevention was adopted as a national project in 1979, the National Exchange Club Foundation for the Prevention of Child Abuse has been working to develop, implement and promote programs which seek to eliminate child abuse, strengthen families and strengthen Exchange Clubs.

The CAP Foundation provides information on proven child abuse prevention projects that can be sponsored by local clubs, such as the Shaken Baby Syndrome Campaign, which teaches parents not to shake babies and young children. It is the CAP Foundation's goal to educate as many parents, care givers, baby sitters and relatives as possible about Shaken Baby Syndrome.

Clubs also perform other public awareness and fundraising programs. For example, the blue ribbon is the nationally recognize symbol of child abuse awareness. To increase awareness, clubs distribute blue ribbon pins and other blue ribbon materials during April, Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Many communities are also fortunate to have Exchange Club-supported child abuse prevention centers. These centers utilize professionally trained parent aides who work directly with families where there is a risk of abuse or where abuse has occurred, teaching them positive and effective parenting techniques.

For more information, visit the web site of the National Exchange Club Foundation for the Prevention of Child Abuse at www.preventchildabuse.com.

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