A portion of every Exchangite's dues goes to support the District and National Exchange Clubs, as well as the NEC Foundation. On a quarterly basis, $4 goes to the Lincolnland District and $19 goes to the National Exchange Club of which $2.50 goes to the NEC Foundation. (The funds that go to the Foundation are restricted to be used only for child abuse prevention programs and public awareness). The balance of your dues are used to run the operations of the club and, mostly, to pay for your meals at club meetings. The amount of district and national dues is approved by the membership with votes at the district and/or national conventions.

So what does National and the District do with the money they receive? 

Let's start with the District. The Lincolnland board is currently made up of 5 officers and 11 division directors. The division directors' role is to be the conduit between the clubs and the district. It's a volunteer position and they are responsible for submitting 4 formal reports annually to the District President on the health of the clubs in their division. They are also responsible for training, along with the Volunteer Field Representatives. The main purposes of the District are to build new clubs and help strengthen established clubs. (of course, that works both ways, as clubs also have to help themselves). Inter-club fellowship is also a priority, with events such as the annual district convention and mid-year conferences used for training, business and fellowship. A portion of your dues pays for the Lincolnland Link as well as the costs of training and conventions.

The National office in Toledo is staffed by a dedicated group of paid staff. Through the National office, clubs are able to obtain liability insurance of $2 million and get their tax exempt status with the IRS. National also provides training and operates the child abuse prevention programs, coordinated with the 70 or so CAP centers throughout the country. 

In addition to the professional staff, the National Exchange Club operates with a national board consisting of 5 officers and 11 regional vice presidents. The main purpose of the National Exchange Club is to to charter new clubs, educate and develop the capabilities of its members and promote Exchange. They accomplish this through training and assistance to the clubs and districts from the staff.

The NEC Foundation is the fundraising arm of the National Exchange Club. The Foundation's purpose is to raise funds to support the National Exchange Club and all of its programs of service. 

As with any organization, you only get out of it what you put into it. Support for what the club does is available - ready and willing to assist - all we have to do is take advantage of it.