Issue 2 Newsletter August 2025

At the Heart of Our Mission

The National Exchange Club is built on a simple yet profound motto: UNITY FOR SERVICE. In a world where division often dominates headlines and social feeds, our clubs in the California/Nevada District continue to stand as beacons of connection, compassion, and shared purpose.

Mid-Winter Conference Recap

This past November, over 40 members from across the district came together for our Mid-Winter Conference. It was an energizing event featuring:

• A State of the District update
• Sharing of Best Ideas from our clubs
• Roundtable discussions on fundraising, recruitment, retention, and succession planning

These conversations reinforced our commitment to growth, collaboration, and innovation.

Second Quarter Highlights

• Financial Overview
  • Income remains solid.
  • Expenses were higher due to late checks, debit card charges from previous accounts, and uncategorized items (e.g., McAfee, Apple), slightly impacting the quarter.
  • Overall Q1 net loss is manageable and not expected in Q2 due to previous account closure.
  • Banking updates have strengthened financial management and increased interest income.
• Club Growth
  • From July 1st, we grew from 538 clubs to 578 clubs by November 30th.
• New Club Added
  • Welcome to the Exchange Excel Club of Kaiser High School, thanks to the incredible efforts of Vanessa Antekeier and Vicky Garcia.
• Looking Ahead
  • We’re excited to launch another club in the San Gabriel Valley during the first quarter of 2026. Our goal this admin year is 600 Members as we have another 22 to go.

Our Projects This Admin Year

Our district is supporting three projects this year and we are well on our way.

• Dare to Dream

Celebrating and empowering youth who imagine a brighter future and work to make it real.

• A.C.E. (Accepting the Challenge of Excellence) Awards – Honoring students who have overcome adversity to achieve academic and personal success.
• Youth of the Year Awards – Recognizing students who exemplify leadership, service, and scholarship.
• Legacy Scholarships – The district is brining that back this year and we are proud to announce it here with you. Awarded to children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren of Exchange members who demonstrate exceptional leadership and service.
• Citizenship Essay Contest – Inspiring students to dare to dream about what good citizenship means and how they can help strengthen their community and nation.
• Contact Cynthia Strasmann at cynthia.strasmann@gmail.com for more info.
• Put Unity Back into Community

Strengthening our presence and partnerships to expand impact.

• Building collaborations with other nonprofits.
• Hosting community mixers and outreach events.
• Creating opportunities for members and the public to engage with Exchange and its mission.
• Contact JP Fallou at JP@exchangecluboflasvegas.org for more information.
• Americanism 250

As we approach America’s 250th anniversary in 2026, this historic milestone reminds us why our mission matters more than ever. It’s a time to reflect on our nation’s founding principles and recommit to building stronger, more united communities. Through service, we honor the past, strengthen the present, and inspire the future. Let’s make sure the Exchange Club is at the forefront of this celebration—leading with UNITY FOR SERVICE as we prepare for this once-in-a-generation event.

• Hosting patriotic events and community celebrations.
• Incorporating Americanism 250 themes into youth and civic programs.
• Holiday Ornament Fundraiser
• Work with Indiana and New England District.
• Created joint websites to raise funds.
• https://americanism250.org/
• Contact JP Fallou at JP@exchangecluboflasvegas.org for more information.

Our Call to Action

We invite every member, every community partner, and every neighbor to lead with heart, serve with purpose, and put UNITY back into CommUNITY—one act of kindness, one moment of understanding, one shared goal at a time.

• Be the light in someone’s darkness.
• Be the bridge where there’s a gap.
• Be the reason someone believes in community again.

Together, we are more than just a collection of clubs—we are a movement.

And through THE UNITY VOICE, we will continue to be a beacon of hope, healing, and unity for all.

Yours in Exchange,

JP Fallou
President for the California/Nevada District