Just as its tongue-twisting title suggests, this popular projects involves the distribution of small American flags to youngsters at parades, fairs, picnics, school events or other community happenings that generate large crowds. The flags are absolutely free to the children and can make a great souvenir of the occasion. Flags with National Exchange Club identification are available from the supply department.

Developed by the Exchange Club of Galesburg, Ill., the program can be implemented on any occasion which calls for a parade, i.e., Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, Labor Day, Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Year’s Day. The sponsoring club, after first securing permission from the local authorities, distributes small 4" x 6" United States flags to children along the parade route.

This is an easily implemented and effective program designed to cultivate a deeper sense of patriotism and to heighten young American’s appreciation and admiration for our country’s flag. Flags with Exchange identification are available from the Supply Department in gross lots.

Capitalize on this opportunity to educate adults as well. As you hand a flag to a child, greet adults and hand them literature. Choose any number of Exchange’s brochures, from American flag history to your own local club brochure.

GiveAKidAFlagToWave should be recognized as not only a superb way to encourage respect for the flag, but also as an excellent way to promote Exchange within the community. The program must be coordinated with the parade organizers, and the actual distribution handled in a dignified manner. Also, the distribution vehicles, whether they be cars, trucks, boxes or baskets, should all be clearly marked with the name of the individual Exchange Club.

Another good idea is to make sure that the club gets proper credit for the flags in any parade program,
newspaper, radio or television story. GiveAKidA-FlagToWave can not only become an institution in the community, but can become an attraction in itself, drawing more people to the events and adding extra color and excitement.

Double your public exposure by alerting the local media of your efforts. When you call local newspapers and radio and television stations, tell them to look for your press release. Sample press releases and valuable media relations strategies can be found in the Public Relations Resource. You can download the press releases from this website.

The basic ingredients for making this program a success are a parade, flags and imagination. The parade is supplied by the community. The flags can be ordered from National Headquarters (800-XCHANGE). The imagination and initiative must come from the club.