As we begin the new year, let us all remember that as Exchangites we are responsible for the advancement of our clubs, the prevention of child abuse and the service to our communities.

Each of our clubs need to be more active in the community and by adding members, raising more funds, and being in the spotlight, We need to be recognized for the great things that Exchange does in our communities. most of us participate in the give-a-kid-a-flag-to-wave program but do we ask when giving these flags out if anyone would like to join our clubs? I can say that I personally have given many of these out and have never asked the question.

Are we doing enough about getting the message about the prevention of child abuse. I thought the project the Marysville club started, giving bibs to the local hospital about shaken baby syndrome was superb. Not only does it further our cause with regards to prevention of child abuse but it also gets our name out to 200 families monthly.

We all realize that without members we probably cannot do more than we are doing in the service area. So it gets back to bringing in new members. Also the more service we do the more interested our members will be and therefore they will feel as though they are a necessary part of an organization that does good things not only for youth but all members of the community.

So let us go forth this year and keep the Exchange ideals in front of everyone.

Jack Ruzic