The Big "E" Award from the National Exchange Club recognizes clubs that achieve excellence in three areas: extension/expansion, efficiency, and education. To qualify for the award, a club must fulfill at least one criteria in extension/expansion, meet all five requirements for efficiency, and satisfy all five education standards. Earning the National Service Award patch requires accomplishing projects in four program areas and two additional services.

1. National Exchange Club The Big “E” Award

2. Your club must complete the criteria in each of the three areas. What is it? The Big “E” Award is designed to motivate clubs to achieve the highest standard of excellence. Extension/Expansion Efficiency Education

3. Extension/Expansion (One of the following requirements must be fulfilled.) 1. Build a new club. 2. Achieve a net membership increase of two (2) for the year. 3. Aid an under-strength club (less than 25 members) to achieve a 30 percent membership. increase, bringing the club to a minimum of 25 members. 4. Assist any 25 member or larger club to achieve a net membership increase of 10 or more with documentation of the effort being reported to Headquarters.

4. Efficiency (All five of the following requirements must be fulfilled.) 1. Return completed Officer Election Report to National Headquarters by April 30 and send in membership applications when completed. 2. Return completed Activities Summary by June 30. 3. Publish a club bulletin at least twice monthly. Send a copy of the newsletter to National Headquarters. One of the bulletins may be board meeting minutes. 4. Remain current in all club accounts with the National Exchange Club, as required under the national Bylaws. Call the National Exchange Club if you have any questions. 5. Conduct a program development meeting no later than June 30 and return the completed Program Development Meeting form to National Headquarters by July 15. Form and instructions can be found in the 2008-2009 Club Leaders Monthly Planner.

5. Education (All five of the following requirements must be fulfilled.) 1. Earn the National Service Award. 2. Dedicate or rededicate at least one Freedom Shrine. 3. Sponsor a child abuse prevention fundraiser or community education program. 4. Install an official Exchange Club road sign on a major roadway in your community. If all major roads leading to the community already have signs, annually inspect and replace any signs in poor condition. Or, if your community does not allow road signs to be installed, present alternate evidence of publicity in the community such as newspaper clippings, PSA videos, radio clips, etc. 5. Install an official "The Exchange Club of ____________ Meets Here." plaque prominently at your club's regular meeting place. Or, publish, no less than once a month, a notice as to when and where your club meets.

6. National Service Award (The Little Oscar) When clubs earn one patch in each of the four service areas and Sponsor any two additional projects.

7. Programs of Service (4 Areas) Child Abuse Prevention Youth Americanism Community Service

8. Child Abuse Prevention Center-related activities Non-center-related activities Campaign for Kids Shaken Baby Syndrome Other Child Abuse Prevention

9. Youth Youth of the Month/Year A.C.E. (Accepting the Challenge of Excellence) Young Citizenship Award EXCEL Clubs Other Youth Programs

10. Americanism GiveAKidAFlagToWave Freedom Shrine One Nation Under God Proudly We Hail Get Out the Vote Other Americanism

11. Community Service Book of Golden Deeds Crime Prevention Fire Prevention Service to Seniors Other Community Service

12. Questions I Can’t Answer ???