Sponsoring Interact Clubs: The Benefits to Rotary Clubs
Rotary clubs have long been dedicated to “Service Above Self”, fostering leadership, and promoting international projects. One effective way they achieve these goals is by sponsoring an Interact club. Interact clubs bring together young people aged 14-18 to develop leadership skills while discovering the power of Service Above Self. Interact clubs are sponsored by individual Rotary clubs, which provide support and guidance, but they are self-governing and self-supporting. Club membership varies greatly. Clubs can be single gender or mixed, large or small. They can draw from the student body of a single school or from two or more schools in the same community.
Why Sponsor an Interact Club?:
1: Connecting with Youth Service in the Community
By sponsoring an Interact club, Rotary clubs directly connect with the younger generation in their communities. Interact clubs, typically composed of high school students, provide a platform for youth to engage in meaningful service projects. This connection not only strengthens the Rotary club's ties with the community but also ensures that the principles of “Service Above Self” are instilled in the younger generation. Through hands-on projects and local initiatives, Interact members learn the value of giving back, making a tangible difference in their neighborhoods while aligning with Rotary’s core values. Pictured below is the Lockport High School Interact Club assisting the Rotary Club of Lockport roasting turkeys, making cookies and serving a pre-holiday dinner to clients at Salvation Army's facility in Lockport.
2: Instilling Leadership and Social Skills in Youth
One of the most significant benefits of sponsoring an Interact club is the opportunity to advance leadership and social skills among youth. Interact clubs operate with a high degree of independence, allowing students to take on leadership roles and manage projects from start to finish. This experience builds essential skills such as public speaking, teamwork, and problem-solving in a creative and fun environment. Additionally, Rotary club members can mentor Interact students, providing guidance and support that further enhances their leadership skills and prepares them for their future endeavors.
3: Introducing Youth to International Communities and Cultures
Interact clubs offer a unique opportunity for youth to connect with international communities through various Rotary-sponsored exchanges and global projects. These experiences expose our younger generation to diverse cultures and perspectives, broadening their worldview. By participating in international service projects or attending Rotary-sponsored events abroad, Interact members gain invaluable insights into the world around them and develop a deeper appreciation for cultural diversity. This not only enriches their personal growth but also aligns with Rotary’s mission of fostering international goodwill and understanding. Pictured here are the Kenmore East & Kenmore West Interact Club’s doing the “Purple Pinky Project” with the Rotary Club of Kenmore in bringing awareness to Elementary Students and raising funds for Polio around the world.
Sponsoring an Interact club offers Rotary clubs a powerful way to extend their impact and connect with the younger generation and gain potential new members. By engaging with youth service projects, instilling leadership and social skills, and introducing young people to international cultures, Rotary clubs can ensure that their legacy of “Service Above Self” continues to thrive for generations to come. Help continue to make a positive difference in the world and charter an Interact club today!
For further information Contact either:
D7090 Interact Co-Chairs
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