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The purpose of Exchange is "service to others."

Exchange, America's service club, is a group of men and women working together to make our communities better places to live through programs of service in Americanism, community service, youth activities and its national project, the prevention of child abuse.

What is Exchange?

Exchange is an all-volunteer, national service organization for men and women who want to serve their community, develop leadership skills and enjoy new friendships. Exchange is made up of nearly 1,000 clubs and 30,000 members throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. Membership is by invitation.

What do Exchange Clubs do?

Clubs sponsor many activities to improve our communities, help the disadvantaged and encourage good American citizenship.

The history of Exchange

The first Exchange Club was formed in Detroit, Michigan in 1911 to "exchange" business information while improving the community.

Charles A. Berkey, the founding father of Exchange built this great organization with the idea that "we would take only members in whom we could place implicit confidence ... who lived up to the old-fashioned idea of truth and integrity, in their relationship with one another ... "

By 1917 this concept had captured the hearts and minds of many, resulting in the organization of the National Exchange Club as a non-profit educational group. The National Exchange Club headquarters is in Toledo, Ohio.

Why join Exchange?

To help us build a better America, and in doing so, bring out the best in yourself. Exchange helps members develop leadership, networking and organizational skills that contribute to the success in business, family and personal endeavors.

More importantly, Exchange provides members with the opportunity to share their time and talents to help others.

Exchange Club activities

The Exchange Club of Fairfield sponsors a wide range of activities including:

Child Abuse Prevention Projects: The Exchange Club of Fairfield supports this national project by selling blue ribbons during April, National Child Abuse Prevention month, and through the distribution of educational literature such as brochures on shaken baby syndrome, fetal alcohol syndrome and "Time Out Teddy," parenting skills throughout the year.

The organization also organizes publicity campaigns with the local media to increase awareness of child abuse.

In addition, the Exchange Club of Fairfield supports organizations such as One Way Farm, a home for abused, abandoned and neglected children. The group also supports the Butler County Parent Aide programs and about 100 Exchange Club abuse prevention centers in the United States, including a center located in Toledo, Ohio.

Americanism Projects: The Exchange Club of Fairfield presents its "Proudly We Hail" plaques to individuals and companies who proudly and correctly fly the American flag.

The installation of the "Freedom Shrine" in the Fairfield High School and the Butler Coutny Government Services Center are also a result of the club's Americanism projects.

In addition, the Exchange Club of Fairfield distributes flags and information on flag etiquette at various parades and community ceremonies.

Community Service: The Exchange Club of Fairfield celebrates a "National Day of Service" in which the club participates in Fairfield's RASKALS, a service to seniors, community service project.

Fairfield Exchange Club members also participate in the "Adopt-A-Roadway" project, making the club responsible for trash pickup along Nilles Road in downtown Fairfield.

Youth Projects: The Exchange Club of Fairfield awards its "A.C.E." (Accepting the Challenge of Excellence) honor to high school students who have overcome hardships/personal tragedies and are now excelling in school. The overall annual A.C.E. award winner receives a scholarship and then competes at the district level for a scholarship.

The Exchange Club of Fairfield also supports the Ohio Reads Program by tutoring elementary children on reading skills.

Fund Raisers: To further its commitment to community, the Exchange Club of Fairfield has organized fundraisers including: Blue Ribbon Campaign, Flush Child Abuse Down the Drain, The Wishing Well, Evening of Giving, FireHouse Chili Fest, Koeze nut sales and placemat ad sales.