Exchange History
Charles Berkey (standing, back row, far right) and
members of the Boosters' Club, Detroit, Mich., in
the late 1800s. Many from this group became members
of the first Exchange Club. |
|
Charles A. Berkey,
founder of Exchange |
Charles A. Berkey is credited with the
founding of this great organization. At his suggestion, the
name “Exchange” was selected because the group wanted to
exchange ideas and information with like-minded individuals
about how to better serve their communities.
The first local Exchange Club was formed
in Detroit, Michigan in 1911. The second was the Exchange
Club of Toledo, Ohio formed in 1913. Subsequently, two
others were organized in Grand Rapids, Michigan and
Cleveland, Ohio. These four clubs were the first to be
chartered by the National Exchange Club after it was
organized as a nonprofit, educational organization in 1917.
Since then, hundreds of clubs have been chartered in the
United States and Puerto Rico, with nearly 28,000 members
making a positive difference in their own communities
everyday.
We are America's Service Club. From our organization's
earliest days, Exchange Clubs have been unselfishly serving
their communities and improving the quality of life. The
diverse array of Exchange-sponsored programs and projects
has made a considerable impact on America, enhancing the
lives of countless men, women and children across the
nation.
The National Exchange Club headquarters is
located in Toledo, Ohio. Our chief objective is to help
Exchange Clubs realize their full potential of community
service.
Mission Statement
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.
Covenant of Service
(Adopted as the philosophy which characterizes an Exchangite)
Accepting the divine privilege of single and
collective responsibility as life’s noblest gift, I covenant
with my fellow Exchangites:
To consecrate my best energies to the uplifting of
Social, Religious, Political and Business ideals;
To discharge the debt I owe to those of high and low
estate who have served and sacrificed that the heritage of
American citizenship might be mine;
To honor and respect law, to serve my fellowmen, and
to uphold the ideals and institutions of my Country; To
implant the life-giving, society-building spirit of
Service and Comradeship in my social and business
relationships;
To serve in Unity with those seeking better
conditions, better understandings, and greater opportunities
for all.
To learn more about the National Exchange
Club
click here. |
