 Flagstaff consists of many smaller communities of people who come together around common locations (neighborhoods) or around common interests. One of the communities of common interests is the Flagstaff Exchange Club. I’m a member of the club because of the opportunity to socialize with people I otherwise may not know, to exchange information about our businesses with other members, to learn more about Flagstaff (though our weekly speakers), and to provide public service with the help of a great group of people. The Club is celebrating it's 30th year in Flagstaff this year and we still have one founding member actively involved! (Other founders attend some of our events.) The Flagstaff Exchange Club’s primary mission is the prevention of child abuse. We also promote civic education for children and youth. Each year, we throw a big fund-raising party that raises lots of money for the local Flagstaff Exchange Foundation – all in one swoop. No other fund-raisers all year! And, the party is lots of fun. We give funds to local organizations that are working to prevent child abuse, such as Parenting Arizona. We also provide funds to local shelters and for children’s recreation development. We have a commitment to the capital campaign for the Flagstaff YMCA. On the civic education side, we also have fun by leading off the 4th of July Parade each year while we pass out flags for kids to wave as the rest of the parade comes by. Annually, we have a speaker/essay contest for graduating seniors of local high schools and provide scholarships to the winners. (Many of our Flagstaff winners have gone on to win Southwest District competitions in recent years.) We also provide a scholarship to a Flagstaff graduating senior who has overcome great adversity to complete high school and go on to higher education. Throughout the year, the Flagstaff Exchange Club does a few smaller service projects. This month we participated in Governor Napolitano’s initiative to provide backpacks filled with school supplies to needy Flagstaff kids. We purchased the supplies from club funds and some members got together to pack the backpacks and distribute them to local schools. The Flagstaff Exchange Club meets every Wednesday from noon to 1 p.m. at the Woodlands Radisson Hotel. Guests who want to explore being potential new members, or who are members of out of town clubs, are always welcome to join us. This week's speaker is from the Flagstaff Fire Department. Join us!
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