Community Programs
Americanism Projects
Exchange Club's Americanism activities promote pride in our country, respect for the flag, and appreciation for our responsibilities and freedoms. One such project, One Nation Under God, aims to increase awareness and appreciation of our nation's religious heritage through activities such as community wide prayer breakfasts and school assembly programs. Another program, Project GiveAKidAFlagToWave, involves distributing small American flags to youngsters at parades, fairs, and other community events. Proudly We Hail is a simple activity which honors individuals, commercial establishments, and industries who regularly fly the American flag through the presentation of plaques and recognition at club meetings. The best known and most widely acclaimed Americanism project is the Freedom Shrine, a collection of photographic reproductions of 30 historic American documents. The Freedom Shrine displays have been dedicated in thousands of high schools, libraries, and other public places across the nation in an effort to instill in our youth a lasting respect for their American heritage. Though Freedom Shrines may be installed any time, Freedom Shrine Month is observed annually in May.
Community Service Projects
Exchange's Community Service projects meet diverse local needs. These activities are broad in scope and designed to benefit every member of the community. The National Exchange Club observes National Crime Prevention Month in October to heighten public awareness of the many ways clubs and average citizens can help prevent crime in their cities and towns. In addition to this special event, many Exchange Clubs implement various Crime Prevention projects throughout the year, including Child Identification / Fingerprinting, Junior Police, and Soul Patrol. Another proven project is the Book of Golden Deeds Award, which honors the quiet good deeds or men and women who perform exceptional volunteer work in their communities. Other recommended Community Service projects include Fire Prevention and Service to Seniors.
Youth Projects
The Youth activities found in the Program of Service have been designed to benefit young people of our country. The most popular of these is the Youth of the Month/Year Award, presented by clubs to high school students who attain high levels of scholastic achievement, commitment involvement and leadership. The monthly program culminates in the selection of a Youth of the Year, who advances to district competition and ultimately an opportunity to vie for the National Youth of the Year Award. The Accepting the Challenge of Excellence Award, a recent addition to the Programs of Service, recognizes high school students who have overcome physical emotional or social challenges and gone on to achieve academic and personal success. The Young Citizenship Award recognizes pre-high school students who daily demonstrate good citizenship. Other Youth Projects are Excel Clubs (high school) and Collegiate Exchange Clubs. The Exchange Club of Macon awards grants to many area youth organizations including the Boy's Club of Macon, Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts, Big Brothers/Big Sisters Association and area sports leagues.