Interact Handbook PDF

Interact Handbook Contents 1 Introduction to Interact 1 What is Interact? How does Interact fit into the Rotary family? What does an Interact club do? Why organize an Interact club? 2 Organizing an Interact Club 3 Getting...

Interact Handbook Contents 1 Introduction to Interact 1 What is Interact? How does Interact fit into the Rotary family? What does an Interact club do? Why organize an Interact club? 2 Organizing an Interact Club 3 Getting Started Identifying the Membership Base Holding an Informational Meeting Holding Organizational Meetings Chartering the Interact Club Developing Interact Ceremonies 3 Rotary Club Support 7 Annual Meeting Roles and Responsibilities of Advisers Risk Management 4 Club Administration and Service 9 Structure Roles and Responsibilities of Club Officers Interact Club Committees Meetings and Membership Service Project Ideas Communicating Club Activities 5 The District Structure and Beyond 16 Roles of the District Governor, District Interact Chair, and District Interact Representative Promoting the Organization of New Interact Clubs District and Multidistrict Meetings Leadership Training 6 Interact and Rotary International 23 Program Policies Program Administration RI Publications Special Events and Recognition 7 RI and Rotary Foundation Resources 26 Rotary International Resources Rotary Foundation Resources 8 Forms and Constitutional Documents 29 1 Introduction to Interact What is Interact? in more than 110 countries belong to some 8,700 clubs, making Interact a truly international Interact is a Rotary-sponsored service club for phenomenon. All over the world, young people young people. Made up of members ages 14-18 are spreading fellowship and international or secondary-school age, Interact gives young understanding through a wide array of Interact people an opportunity to participate in fun, service activities. meaningful service projects. Along the way, Interactors develop their leadership skills and How does Interact fit into initiative while meeting new friends. the Rotary family? Interactors have access to the many resources of Rotary International and The Rotary Foundation Rotary International is a worldwide service of RI. Rotary International provides the adminis- organization for leading business and professional trative support that helps Interact clubs thrive. men and women, with more than 1.2 million members in over 31,000 Rotary clubs. Interact When RI President Harold T. Thomas traveled clubs are self-supporting and self-governing but the world during his year in office in 1959-60, receive guidance from a sponsoring Rotary club. he discovered a deep and widespread feeling This sponsorship is a result of Rotary’s belief that among Rotarians that Rotary’s potential for young people, or New Generations, should take developing youth service had not been fully an active interest in community life and have the realized. In 1960, Thomas appointed a commit- opportunity to develop leadership skills. Interact tee of five Rotarians to explore the issue, and two provides a vehicle through which New Genera- years later, 23 students at Melbourne High tions can find that involvement. School in Melbourne, Florida, USA, came together to form the first Interact club. Organizing an Interact club is one of the most rewarding activities a Rotary club can undertake The word Interact stands for “international in its community. The Interact program gives action,” and today nearly 200,000 young people Rotarians the opportunity to mentor promising young men and women interested in serving their own communities as well as the global commu- nity. Rotarians also act as resources for Interactors Through their service activities, who are on the path toward becoming profession- Interactors learn the importance of als and community leaders. In turn, an Interact club can bring new energy to a Rotary club, Developing leadership skills and personal integrity inspire fresh ideas for service, increase support of Demonstrating helpfulness and respect for others projects, and help develop future Rotarians. Understanding the value of individual responsibility and The Standard Interact Club Constitution defines the hard work role of the Rotary club sponsor in Articles III, V, and Advancing international understanding and goodwill XIII. Interact Handbook 1  Service Above Self is Rotary’s foremost guiding principle. An Interact club’s service projects are All clubs undertake activities to enhance designed to improve the quality of life at home leadership skills, serve their community, and and abroad. These projects often address today’s expand international understanding. most critical issues, such as violence, drug abuse, AIDS, hunger, the environment, and illiteracy. Each Interact club is required to complete at least two major service projects annually, one to serve What does an the community and another to promote interna- tional understanding. Each should involve all or Interact club do? most of the members of the club. The goal of international service through Interact is to encourage and foster the advance- Article VII of the Standard Interact Club Constitu- ment of international understanding, goodwill, tion outlines Interact club activity and project and peace through a world fellowship of youth guidelines. united in the ideal of service. Interact clubs organize a variety of projects and activities, Why organize an depending primarily on the interests of the club Interact club? members. However, within the Interact program, Today’s young people will become tomorrow’s all clubs undertake activities to enhance leader- parents, professionals, business leaders, and ship skills, serve their community, and expand community leaders. With the help of programs international understanding. Together, these like Interact, they can gain the tools and skills activities ensure a balanced club program and necessary to develop into responsible, productive provide important experience and opportunities members of society. Now is the time for Rotary for the personal development of each Interactor. clubs to focus on the future by challenging New Generations to test their talents, develop new skills, and confront issues they will face in their lifetime. The Interact program can instill in its members life skills that can be shared with others for generations to come. 2 Interact Handbook 2 Organizing an Interact Club Rotary clubs should fully understand the Interact district Interact chair to learn how other Interact program before deciding to sponsor a new clubs function in the district. Next, the subcom- Interact club. This handbook is one of many mittee should make a presentation to the entire resources available to learn about Interact, but Rotary club, emphasizing that the involvement of potential Interact club sponsors also should talk Rotarians is essential to the success of an Interact with other Rotarians and Interactors who are club and highlighting the rewards of sponsoring already involved in Interact to get a firsthand service-minded young people. perspective on the program. Interact, like Rotary, is diverse, and each club has its own unique After the Rotary club board approves the sponsor- qualities. (See the Interact Resource List, page 51, ship of an Interact club, the club must decide for publications and materials that will help you whether its Interact club will be community- organize and sponsor a new club.) based or school-based. A community-based club draws its members Getting Started from several schools within the locality of the A Rotary club interested in sponsoring an Interact Rotary club, and the Rotarian adviser must club should form an Interact subcommittee (of its attend all of the club’s meetings. community service committee) of at least five A school-based club draws its members from members. As part of the information-gathering one school, and the Rotarian adviser is process, the subcommittee should study the required to attend only the club’s board requirements of sponsorship and consult with the meetings. Sponsoring a school-based club requires a member of the subcommittee to meet with school officials to explain the program and its advan- tages. Rotarians and school officials should continue to work together to determine member- ship requirements, the time and location of the Interact club’s meetings, and other policies. The following sections include detailed strategies for recruiting potential Interact club members and the steps that must be taken for an Interact club to be officially recognized by RI. Interact Handbook 3  At the meeting: Establishing Joint Sponsorship 1. Give the students a general idea of Rotary’s history and commitment to young people. of an Interact Club 2. Explain the policies and goals of Interact, An Interact club can be organized and sponsored by more including a description of some recent Interact than one Rotary club under all the following conditions: service projects. The district governor approves the arrangement in writing. 3. Show the video Serious Fun (650-EN). The circumstances must be such that the organization of 4. Provide copies of the Interact Brochure (600- separate Interact clubs, each sponsored by a single Rotary EN), which prospective Interactors can give to club, would create an artificial division of what is essen- friends who may be interested. tially a single body of young adults within the school or community. 5. Give the prospective Interactors plenty of time to ask questions and share their ideas for A joint Interact committee is created with representation projects for the new club. from each of the sponsoring Rotary clubs. 6. Take a vote at the end of the meeting to Each member of the Interact club agrees to adhere to the confirm that there is enough interest to provisions of the constitution and bylaws of the club. establish an Interact club. 7. Distribute membership application forms. Identifying the Holding Organizational Membership Base Meetings Once a group of prospective Interactors has been When you have determined the type of Interact assembled, you can begin to hold organizational club to start, it’s time to develop a recruitment meetings to plan the club’s activities. Keep the strategy. To identify eligible youth, you may wish enthusiasm level high by holding the meetings no to start with the sons, daughters, and other more than two weeks apart, and be sure to keep a younger family members of Rotarians in the area. record of the names and phone numbers or e-mail Community centers, churches, athletic clubs and addresses of those who attend so you can invite teams, and secondary schools are just a few them to future meetings. Encourage them to community sources for potential club members. invite friends. Also keep in mind that Youth Exchange students and RYLA participants may be excellent Interact Each Interact club’s development is unique. candidates. Brainstorm to develop as wide a Although holding a particular number of membership pool as possible. meetings isn’t required before a club can be certified, several issues should be addressed and Refer to Article IV of the Standard Interact Club actions taken during the organizational phase: Constitution for more details regarding membership qualifications for Interact. Hold elections for president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, and other officers. Provide Holding an Informational the officers with copies of their responsibilities outlined in chapter 4 of this handbook. Meeting Aim to include equal numbers of students Once you have identified the membership base, from each grade level or age group. your Rotary club is ready to convene an informal informational meeting for the prospective Discuss and establish annual club dues. members. The Interact subcommittee, the Rotary Determine where and when the club meetings club president, and the district Interact chair will be held (clubs must meet at least twice a should attend the meeting. Also invite Interactors month). from nearby clubs who can share their experiences Begin preliminary planning for service and answer questions. activities, fundraising events, and the inaugu- ral ceremony. Familiarize members with the constitutional documents. 4 Interact Handbook Chartering the Interact Club Chartering Interact Club Checklist When a prospective Interact club has achieved a Adopt Standard Interact Club Constitution. strong base of members, it should be ready to proceed with applying for official RI certifica- Complete Interact Club Organization List. tion. A minimum of 15 charter members is Have the list signed by sponsoring Rotary club recommended. In accordance with the Statement president and district governor. of Policy Relating to Interact, the prospective Send list to RI World Headquarters or interna- club should first adopt the Standard Interact tional office for your area. Club Constitution and all its amendments. It should also adopt bylaws consistent with the Standard Interact Club Constitution and policy established by Rotary International. These bylaws are subject to the approval of the sponsor- Developing Interact ing Rotary club. Ceremonies The Interact Club Organization List (page 41) Inaugural Ceremony should then be filled out, listing all charter The chartering of an Interact club is an exciting members who have committed to attending a event. The Rotary club sponsor may wish to host minimum of 60 percent of the club’s service and an inaugural ceremony so that sponsoring social activities. The completed list must be Rotarians can welcome the Interactors as partners signed by the sponsoring Rotary club president in Rotary service. Invite district leaders such as the and the district governor and sent to RI World district governor, district Interact chair, and district Headquarters or the international office serving Interact representative to this celebration to help your area. Once the Interact club has been establish the presence of the new Interact club in certified, the sponsoring Rotary club will receive the district. a certificate that can be presented to the newly formed club. Each ceremony is unique and has no set format, but modeling the ceremony after the sponsoring Rotary club’s traditions is a good way to get started. Additional suggestions include: Present a brief explanation of Rotary and The 4-Way Test. Explain how the new Interactors are now part of the Rotary family. Review the history of Interact and how the new club was formed (a funny story or anecdote). Induct members individually and announce board members and officers. Include school- or community-related themes, mottoes, and traditions. Present each member with an Interact pin. Create an inauguration ceremony pamphlet with the agenda and names of the members. Take photos to commemorate the event. Interact Handbook 5  Installation Ceremony Another special event for your new Interact club will be the installation of club officers. An officer installation can be a ceremonious occasion or a gala at which the new club officers are officially recognized as the club’s leadership for the year. Continue to hold annual installation ceremonies to thank the past officers for their year of dedicated work and to greet new officers for the year to come. Consider acknowledging Interactors with a certificate of recognition. An example of this type of certificate can be found on page 57. The incoming president and officers of the sponsoring Rotary club should be invited to this event so they can get acquainted with the new Interact club officers. This can increase communi- cation between Interact and Rotary clubs and strengthen joint projects and activities. 6 Interact Handbook 3 Rotary Club Support The support and guidance of the sponsoring Inform Interactors of other RI or Rotary Rotary club is a key ingredient in the success of Foundation programs available to them. an Interact club. Consider these suggestions for Invite the Interact club officers to meet with creating a lasting bond with the Interact club: the district governor during the governor’s Invite Interactors to the Rotary club’s meetings official visit to your club. to report on their activities. Create an annual Rotary-Interact service Annual Meeting project and participate in World Interact The sponsoring Rotary club’s Interact subcom- Week. mittee should host an annual meeting at the Show the Interactors how to produce a club beginning of the school year or Rotary year. Invite bulletin. all Interactors, the Rotary club president, and all interested members of the Rotary club. The Help the Interact club develop strategies for meeting should cover the following topics: recruiting and retaining members. Meeting agendas Establish a recognition program that acknowl- edges Interactors’ achievements. Procedures Publicize Interactors’ achievements to the Completed projects community and the Rotary world. Ongoing projects Attendance Membership development Publicity Future plans Roles and Responsibilities of Advisers The Rotarian adviser plays a major role in the club’s support of its Interact club. The adviser attends the board meetings of school-based clubs and all meetings of community-based clubs. Rotarian adviser responsibilities include: Counseling Interactors when they plan service projects or fundraising activities Acting as a liaison between the Rotary club and the Interactors and between the Rotary club and the faculty adviser (for school-based clubs) Interact Handbook 7  Overseeing the Interact club’s elections each School Administration year and reporting the names and addresses of Verify that members meet school academic new officers to the district Interact committee requirements. The faculty adviser, who is a faculty member at a Approve all Interact-related announcements school-based club, oversees the activities of the and communications. Interact club and acts as a liaison between the Act as a liaison between the sponsoring Rotary Rotary club and school administration. Patience, club and the school principal, faculty, and organization, and desire to work with young staff. people are essential qualities of effective faculty advisers. Suggested areas of responsibility for a Elicit support from colleagues and parents. faculty adviser include: Risk Management Meetings Risk management, or identifying future events Attend all club meetings and ensure they run that may cause harm, provides a framework for smoothly. recognizing possible risks and strategies for avoiding such events. Assist with campaigns and elections of Interact officers. Rotary International is committed to creating and Coordinate a leadership training workshop for maintaining the safest possible environment for new officers. all participants in Rotary activities. It is the duty of all Rotarians, their spouses or partners, and any Recommend that Interactors participate in volunteers to safeguard, to the best of their ability, youth-leadership seminars and any other the welfare of the young people they come into Rotary-sponsored opportunities for youth. contact with through Rotary and to prevent any physical, sexual, or emotional abuse. A risk Projects management program can provide a basis for Advise on service project implementation, understanding what risks are possible in your especially for in-school activities. program so that participants may make good Maintain a calendar for scheduling Interact choices in dealing with these risks. Injury, illness, events to avoid conflicting with other school abuse, and other risks are inherent in many activities. aspects of our society. While a risk management program cannot guarantee elimination of all risk, Attend all Interact activities outside of school it can reduce the number and effect of negative hours or help arrange chaperones. occurrences. Facilitate equipment requirements and logistics of project sites. Refer to the RI Statement of Conduct for Working with Youth, page 40. Ongoing Support Interact clubs in the United States are covered Help maintain accurate club records and under Rotary’s General Liability Insurance documentation and monitor the flow of club Program. For Interact clubs outside the United funds. States, there are no Rotary International insur- Verify that Interact committees meet their ance requirements. Your Rotary club’s Interact requirements and deadlines. subcommittee is advised to assess Interact-related liability issues and seek appropriate insurance. Oversee editing, publication, distribution, and announcement of Interact newsletters. Encourage Interactors to resolve disagreements on their own but arbitrate when necessary. Guide efforts to recruit members. Work on Interact promotion with the school newspaper staff and local media. 8 Interact Handbook 4 Club Administration and Service For an Interact club to thrive, the development of As a procedural matter, most of the club’s strong leadership and a committed, interested business should be transacted during board membership is vital. meetings, rather than club meetings. The board must report to the membership on all actions Structure taken and policies approved during its meetings, Under the leadership of the Interact club presi- at the earliest opportunity. The Rotarian adviser dent, Interact club members plan fundraisers, must attend all board meetings. service projects, and social events. The Interact club’s board of directors reviews and approves Roles and Responsibilities those plans. The board consists of the following of Club Officers elected officers: president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer, as well as any additional President officers determined by the size of the club. The As the club leader, the president works to ensure board is the club’s governing body and meets at that the club’s activities and service projects are least once a month. Club members in good successfully promoted and completed. The standing may attend board meetings as observers. president presides over all meetings of the club and the board of directors, appoints all standing and special committees (with board approval), and serves as an ex-officio member of all committees. The president should develop a talent for identifying members’ skills and interests and put them to work in club projects. President’s Responsibilities Before taking office Study the Interact constitutional documents. Meet with the outgoing president to review the club’s records and discuss its current activities. Meet with the incoming board of directors to review current activities and plan new ones. Decide which of the existing committees should be retained for the upcoming year and think about any new committees that might be needed. Interact Handbook 9  Appoint committee chairs based on qualifica- should keep up to date on all of the club’s goals tions and Interact experience and discuss their and ongoing activities. To that end, it is impor- choices for committee members. tant that the club president and vice president work together as a team. This can be particularly While in office helpful for clubs that choose to have the incom- Conduct effective meetings by preparing a ing president serve as vice president before taking detailed agenda that includes what will be office. The vice presidency is not an automatic covered and for how long. Allow time for stepping stone to the presidency, but it serves as reports from officers and committee members. an excellent training ground for a future club Pay attention to membership growth and leader. development. Maintain a balance among age groups and keep interest among current Secretary members high by giving them plenty of The secretary maintains all club records, which opportunities to participate and voice their are necessary for determining who is eligible to opinions. vote. Suggested means of record keeping include: Be creative when planning the club’s meeting A membership activities record agendas, plan them well in advance, and A committee appointment worksheet ensure variety (e.g., speakers, panel discus- sions, trips, entertainment) to satisfy a wide Attendance records range of interests. Record of dues payments Delegate responsibility to help other members Original application form for each member develop their leadership skills and to avoid getting caught up in details. The secretary can also be responsible for complet- ing the Incoming Interact Officer Data Form and Communicate and collaborate actively with the Interact Project Data Form and submitting the Rotarian or faculty adviser and the district them to Rotary International. Interact chair. The secretary must also take minutes at all Vice President meetings. Properly prepared minutes will reflect The vice president presides over meetings when what was said at a meeting in a clear, concise the president is absent, serves as a member of the manner and report actions taken at a meeting board of directors, and may handle special without detailing how decisions were reached. assignments for the president. Before taking office Minutes should cover the following points: and throughout the year, the vice president Type of meeting (e.g., board meeting, club meeting, committee meeting) Date, time, and place Presiding officer Attendance Approval and correction of last meeting’s minutes Treasurer’s statement Summary of reports from officers and committees Summary of actions taken and of the agenda Announcements Adjournment 10 Interact Handbook Treasurer tution: club committee, finance committee, The treasurer should be a responsible, detail- service committee, and international understand- oriented person who works with the secretary to ing committee. Additional committees may be maintain accurate financial records. appointed as needed. Committees should meet at least once a month to Treasurer’s Responsibilities discuss plans and activities and share them with Collect membership dues the president. All committee activities and Deposit dues and all proceeds from expenses are subject to board approval. fundraising projects Club Committee Handle most of work of preparing and The club committee is responsible for attendance, administering the budget membership, meeting agendas, fellowship, and Prepare monthly report that shows public relations. It develops ideas for the presenta- — Money on hand at the beginning and tions at club meetings, ways to recruit new end of the month members and keep current members, and methods for publicizing the club’s activities. The — Receipts, with their source (dues, sale of committee should maintain a historical record of items, etc.) clearly indicated the club, such as a scrapbook, that includes — Payments, detailing for what and to pictures and descriptions of the club’s activities. whom Prepare a final report summing up the year’s Finance Committee operation The finance committee decides how the club will fund its activities, always with an eye toward The outgoing treasurer should give the final keeping dues low and ensuring that the club report to the club and the incoming treasurer. All remains self-supporting. The committee finds of the treasurer’s reports form part of the club’s ways to solicit funds from businesses and organi- permanent record, which should be maintained zations by offering something of value — perhaps by the club secretary. services or recognition — in return. Other Officers Service Committee The club may determine that an additional The service committee initiates one project number of officers should be included on the each year that benefits either the school or the board of directors. Any additions must be community. approved by the sponsoring Rotary club. All members of the Interact club board of directors International Understanding Committee should be familiar with the Interact constitutional The international understanding committee documents. The board is required to meet at least undertakes one project each year that promotes once a month and report any action taken at the international goodwill. next club meeting. Board members should think of project ideas, encourage all members to participate, and delegate responsibilities. At the end of the year, the board makes an annual report that covers the major actions of the year. Articles V, VI, and VIII of the Standard Interact Club Constitution provide a more detailed overview of the Interact club structure. Interact Club Committees Club committees are vital in effectively carrying out the activities of the Interact club. The club president appoints four standing committees, with the approval of the board of directors, as prescribed by the Standard Interact Club Consti- Interact Handbook 11  Interact committee chairs have the following 4. Introduce new members. responsibilities: 5. Present the meeting agenda. Give everyone a job to do and keep track of 6. Close with thanks to the speakers or others assignments. who have participated. Establish a set schedule of committee meetings 7. Adjourn the meeting. for the year. Make sure all committee members are familiar The success of an Interact club depends on the with the club’s constitutional documents and commitment and hard work of its membership. the club’s organization and goals. When recruiting new members, seek out those with special interests and abilities who would be Notify committee members in writing of a enthusiastic about the social and service opportuni- meeting, giving the date, time, place, and ties Interact provides. The following suggestions can subject of the meeting. E-mail and instant help you build a strong, committed membership: messaging are convenient ways for Interact committee members to communicate. Set membership goals and encourage all club members to work to meet them. Prepare an agenda for the meeting and make sure it is followed during the meeting. Challenge members to bring in one new Interactor each year. Contact members scheduled to make reports at the meeting and ask if they need any help Present an award to the member who recruits preparing their reports. the most new members. Ask members for their opinions. Organize a special event to attract new members. Explain the purpose of Interact, and Keep meetings short and to the point. show the video Serious Fun (650-EN) along Keep accurate records but avoid unnecessary with slides or pictures of your club’s activities. paperwork. Display the Interact Poster (639-MU) and hand out the Interact Brochure (600-EN). Meetings and Membership Publicize your club’s activities in the school Club meetings should be held at least twice a paper and in the community. month at a time and place that suits the members Ask experienced Interactors to “adopt” new (school-based clubs usually meet at the school). members and make them feel welcome. This suggested format can help you hold produc- tive meetings: Assign committee responsibilities to veteran members (this will let them know they’re 1. Open the meeting with a pledge, anthem, or important to the club). some other local custom. Monitor attendance and make sure everyone 2. Have the president introduce guests and make attends at least 60 percent of the meetings. announcements and reminders. Maintain a good balance among age levels and 3. Have the secretary, treasurer, and committee among males and females, if the club is coed. chairs make any relevant reports. Get feedback from members on the types of meeting agendas they would like. Service Project Ideas School and community projects can cover a wide scope of issues, so it is helpful to focus your efforts. Think of the following questions when planning your service activities: What services does our school/community need? What other community organizations could use our Interact club’s assistance? Can we collaborate with our sponsoring Rotary club or a local Rotaract club on their service efforts? 12 Interact Handbook  What types of community service projects fit within our club’s budget? Guidelines for Holding International projects usually require correspon- a Fundraiser dence between members of Interact clubs in Set realistic goals based on the amount of financial different countries and may sometimes involve an support needed and how much money can reasonably exchange or visit. Establish ongoing correspon- be raised. Remember that some projects may be dence with a club before planning an exchange or a expensive to conduct but will also generate more than visit. Correspondence can include photos or enough money to cover the costs. yearbooks, a meeting conducted by telephone, or a Draw upon the resources at hand. If Interact club members regular exchange of e-mail or letters. can sing or act, consider putting on a talent show. The following resources are available for contacting Involve all members of the club. a club in another country: Promote the project through the local media, including Interact Correspondence Exchange List, the school newspaper. Invite a reporter to attend. available from the RI Secretariat and updated Immediately after the event, send a brief report of your every September. This list includes contact project to the local media and to RI and include information for Interact clubs that have photographs that show club members actively partici- indicated an interest in corresponding and pating in the event. exchanging with other clubs. District Interact chairs in other countries. Ask Youth Programs your district Interact chair for a list of chairs from around the world, or contact the Secre- Start activities such as art classes, sports tariat for a copy. leagues, and tutoring sessions. Internet. Search the Internet for the home pages Mentor young children. of Interact clubs. Help children gain access to services they need such as medical treatment, meals, and safe Because Interact clubs are self-financed and places to play. keeping dues low is important, the best way to finance club service projects and other activities is Help for People with Disabilities through fundraising. The basic rule to remember Ensure that buildings and parks are accessible when raising funds is that you must offer some- to people with disabilities. thing of value in return. Examples of successful Interact fundraisers include car washes, food Coordinate an outing or a short trip for people festivals, raffles, walkathons, rummage sales, with disabilities. fashion shows, and benefit performances. Distribute donated medical equipment and supplies such as wheelchairs, eyeglasses, and The projects that Interact club members undertake crutches to assist people in low-income are limited only by their imagination and that of communities. the sponsoring Rotary club. Following are some project activities that Interact clubs may choose to Health Care and Nutrition pursue. For other project ideas, visit the online Community Projects Database at www.rotary.org. Educate community residents on health concerns by organizing awareness campaigns Community Facilities (e.g., AIDS walk, immunization campaign, blood drive). Respond to a serious community need by volunteering at a clinic or shelter for abuse Volunteer at a clinic or hospital that focuses on victims or at a drug treatment center. a group with special needs, such as underserved women or families affected by Find a building to use as a community youth disease. center or plan a multiuse community center. Fund nutrition and agriculture education in Plan community-improvement projects such as developing countries. cleanups, tree plantings, and fairs or celebrations. Interact Handbook 13  Education and Literacy Preserve Planet Earth Coordinate the collection of books for Support beautification projects such as urban students and for class libraries at home and gardens, parks, woodlands, and greenbelts. abroad. Help needy communities obtain safe water Volunteer at a literacy center and read aloud and sanitation systems. for recorded books. Organize a community program to collect and Provide child care for parents attending sort glass, paper products, and other recyclable literacy classes. materials. Hunger and Food Banks Communicating Start a seed bank and provide training to Club Activities impoverished families to enable them to raise Keeping in touch with people who have an food in their own gardens. interest in the club’s activities is a good way to Volunteer at a soup kitchen. help keep it thriving. Four basic lines of commu- nication include a club newsletter, project forms Coordinate a hunger banquet to raise funds that are completed and sent to RI, the Internet, and awareness of the issue. and public relations. Club Newsletter The club newsletter should be designed to provide information about the Interact club to all interested parties, including club members, the school newspaper, the sponsoring Rotary club, the district Interact committee, local media, and RI. When creating a newsletter remember to include the following: Information about proposed, ongoing, and recently completed service projects and fundraising efforts News from RI that pertains to Interact Reports from the club’s officers, committee members, and directors A brief summary of each meeting Information about the sponsoring Rotary club’s activities that may be of interest to the Interact club Be sure to include the name and address of the Interact club, its meeting time and place, the name of the sponsoring Rotary club, and the Rotary district number. Consider distributing the club newsletter electronically. Project Forms Submitted to RI The Incoming Interact Officer Data Form and the Interact Project Data Form should be completed and returned to the Data Services Department at RI World Headquarters. These reports are essential for RI Interact records and also provide an opportunity for Interact club projects to be promoted in various RI publications. 14 Interact Handbook Internet and facing the camera). Send photos and project Consider creating a Web site for your Interact information to the district Interact chair for use club. A Web site can serve as an effective tool for in the district Interact newsletter and to the sharing information about your club with your district governor for inclusion in the governor’s sponsoring club, other Interact clubs, and your monthly letter to Rotary clubs in the district. community. It can also include links to your Also send the photos and information to the sponsoring Rotary club’s Web site and the RI site Community Programs Section at RI World (www.rotary.org). Headquarters for potential use in various RI publications. Public Relations Interact clubs and their projects are likely to receive more support if the community knows about them. A good image in the community helps clubs recruit new members and contributes to an accurate, positive image of Interact and Rotary. Publicize club activities in school and local newspapers and other media. The public relations committee of the sponsoring Rotary club should be able to provide lists of local media contacts. Make sure that someone is taking pictures at all of club events and that these pictures show partici- pants in action (not just people shaking hands Interact Handbook 15 5 The District Structure and Beyond Interact activities at the district level provide Among other responsibilities, the district gover- opportunities for joint projects between Interact nor is concerned with the organization and clubs, training of new club officers, sharing ideas development of Interact clubs. The governor for strengthening club service, and promoting appoints a district Interact chair, and the district Interact extension to new areas. Interactors Interact committee works to organize new involved in these activities inevitably get to know Interact clubs in the district, increase communica- Interact better. For Rotary districts with only one tion among existing clubs, and plan districtwide Interact club, district Interact activities focus on training for club officers. extending Interact to new communities in the district. The more you promote Interact in District Interact Chair neighboring communities, the more Interact The district Interact chair is appointed by the grows in your own. district governor to administer the Interact program and to offer assistance to Rotary clubs Roles of the District sponsoring Interact clubs. The chair, along with Governor, District Interact the district Interact committee, publicizes the Chair, and District Interact program and promotes the organization of new Interact clubs. See the sample 20-minute presen- Representative tation on Interact on pages 17-18, which can be used as a guideline for these presentations. District Governor Each of the more than 500 Rotary districts The committee offers assistance to clubs by worldwide is led by a district governor, an elected sponsoring Interact district meetings and Rotarian who serves as an officer of RI and providing leadership training for Interact club represents the RI Board of Directors in the field. officers and others. District Interact Representative Districts with five or more Interact clubs may form an Interact district organization. A district Interact representative (Interact member) may be elected from among the membership of all Interact clubs within the district, to serve as a liaison with the district Interact committee. The district Interact representative helps the committee plan district- level meetings and presides at these meetings whenever possible. The district Interact representa- tive also encourages clubs to broaden their service programs and helps to involve Interactors in Rotary projects in the district. 16 Interact Handbook Promoting the Organization 4. Take a look at the Interact section of the RI Web site, which provides program updates and of New Interact Clubs examples of successful projects (www.rotary.org Consider the following guidelines and suggestions /programs/interact). as you prepare to make a presentation about 5. Review the structured discussion questions. Interact to Rotary clubs: 6. Plan closing remarks. 1. Review the Interact presentation and customize it if desired. The presentation can be adapted for The following is a suggested format to introduce prospective Interactors as well. Interact to Rotary clubs and generate interest in 2. Arrange to have an overhead or LCD projector sponsoring a club. Leaders may wish to use aids, if you decide to use transparencies or such as transparencies or PowerPoint, as they PowerPoint. present the material and to modify it as needed to include local project examples. The first half 3. Consider distributing RI materials. You may outlines the program, provides project examples, contact RI Publications Order Services at (847) and describes steps for organizing an Interact club. 866-4600, or the international office serving The second half engages participants in a struc- your area, or place an order via the Online tured discussion. Publications Catalog at www.rotary.org. The following materials provide valuable informa- tion on sponsoring an Interact club and serve as resources for promoting the program: Interact Handbook (654-EN) Interact Brochure (600-EN) Serious Fun video (650-EN) Interact Poster (639-MU) Sample Interact Presentation 10 minutes Through their service activities, Organizing an Interact club is one of the most Interactors learn the importance of rewarding activities a Rotary club can undertake in Developing leadership skills and personal integrity its community. It gives Rotarians the opportunity to mentor promising young men and women Demonstrating helpfulness and respect for others interested in service. Rotarians act as resources for Understanding the value of individual responsibility Interactors who are on the path toward becoming and hard work professionals and community leaders. In turn, an Advancing international understanding and goodwill Interact club can bring fresh ideas for service, increase support of projects, and help develop future Rotarians. Made up of members ages 14-18, Interact gives Interact in Action! young people an opportunity to participate in fun, Each Interact club is encouraged to perform at meaningful service projects in their community least two service projects a year — one that and communities in other countries. Along the benefits the school or community and one that way, Interactors develop their leadership skills and furthers international understanding. Below are initiative while meeting new friends. The word examples of several Interact projects undertaken Interact stands for “international action,” and around the world. today nearly 200,000 young people in more than 110 countries belong to some 8,700 clubs, making Four Canadian Interact clubs joined forces Interact a truly international phenomenon. to help the Rotary Club of Singapore to assist people in Cambodia who have chronic eyesight problems. The Interactors collected Interact Handbook 17  nearly 500 pairs of eyeglasses and small pieces of Key Steps for Organizing an medical equipment that were shipped to Interact Club Rotarians in Singapore. 1. Form an Interact subcommittee (of the To raise money for the Nelson Mandela community service committee) of at least five Children’s Fund, Interactors in South Africa members. worked more than 48 hours to create the world’s 2. Establish strong interest among club members longest piece of spaghetti. Considerable commu- to ensure the Interact club’s success. nity support and media coverage helped promote the event and encouraged members of the 3. Decide whether the Interact club will be community to donate money and goods for the school-based or community-based. event. After the mile-long spaghetti was finished, 4. Identify and recruit prospective Interactors. the Interactors cut it into edible portions and 5. Arrange an informational meeting. donated them to various local shelters. 6. Hold organizational meetings to address issues Helping to spare the environment from the effects such as club’s activities, elections, dues, of discarded batteries, Interactors in Ayacucho, meeting place and time, and Interact policies, Argentina, collected used batteries and sealed constitution, and bylaws. them in tubes of cement to prevent damage caused by battery acid leakage. This project 7. Charter the Interact club and hold inaugural inspired other similar environmental efforts in and installation ceremonies. other parts of the country. Every year, the Interact Club of Madera, Califor- Discussion questions nia, USA, travels to Ensenada, Mexico, to 10 minutes conduct an international service project. They What types of organized service opportunities are combine efforts with other California Interact already available for youth in our community? and Rotary clubs to build playgrounds in the Who are prospective members we can identify Ensenada area. Preparations begin months before now? the trip as Interactors refurbish donated play- ground equipment in California. They transport What types of projects could Interactors the equipment across the border and over two participate in to enhance our community? days assemble it in various sites, with the help of How can we work with Interactors on these Ensenada Rotarians. More than 50 playgrounds activities? have been constructed in the past 18 years. What funds would we need to allocate to start Interact clubs in the vicinity of Juti, Brazil, an Interact club? Once the club is established, collected more than 1,500 pieces of used cloth- what kind of fundraising can Interactors ing, repaired the garments, and distributed them conduct to support themselves? to over 300 needy families in the community. How many Interact clubs already exist in the district? How can our Interact club participate on a district level? How can our Rotary club provide strong, ongoing support for the Interact club? 18 Interact Handbook District and Multidistrict Meetings A district Interact meeting gives Interactors throughout the district a chance to congregate, exchange information and ideas, evaluate completed projects, plan new projects, and strengthen the spirit of teamwork and friendship. Every Interactor in the district should be invited to the district meeting. The district Interact representative should assist the district Interact committee in planning the event. Although there are no set content guidelines, the meeting should be informative and enjoyable and should promote the formation of friendships in the district. District meetings are funded by the Interact clubs themselves, so costs should be kept to a minimum. Multidistrict meetings, especially those that involve Interact club members from more than elected for the coming year but no later than one one country, are recommended whenever feasible. month before they take office. They are held under the guidance of the district governor and the district Interact committee and The district Interact representative should lead all must be approved by the RI Board of Directors. general sessions of the training workshop with assistance from the district Interact chair. Articles 20 and 21 of the Statement of Policy Interactors should lead the group sessions. Make Relating to Interact give more guidance on district sure that a Rotarian is assigned to each group to and multidistrict meetings. serve as a resource person, providing information and advice when asked but not lecturing or Leadership Training leading the group. The district Interact committee has the responsi- Workshop leaders should meet in advance to bility of providing training for incoming Interact make sure that all participants understand their club officers, committee chairs, the incoming roles and are adequately prepared. The sample district Interact representative, and the Rotarian agenda for an Interact leadership training and faculty advisers. Training should take place workshop can be modified to meet specific after all the officers in the district have been district goals. Interact Handbook 19 Leadership Training Workshop for Interact Club Leaders 0800-0900 Registration 0900-0945 First Plenary Session Announcements, introductions, and icebreakers Welcome remarks from district Interact representative, district Interact chair, and/ or district governor (overview of purpose and goals of the training workshop) Presentation by district Interact representative and/or district Interact chair (report on status of Interact in the district) 0945-1000 Break 1000-1200 Group Discussion Sessions Each session begins with an opening presentation addressing administrative responsibilities of the office, effective use of club resources, and service opportunities. Group 1 Interact Club Presidents and Vice Presidents Planning and conducting effective meetings Selecting committee chairs Delegating to committees Understanding components of successful Interact clubs Group 2 Interact Club Secretaries and Treasurers Keeping adequate secretarial records Maintaining accurate financial records Honing organizational skills Promoting teamwork between the secretary and treasurer Group 3 Interact Club Directors Role of the board of directors within the Interact club Teamwork Group 4 Interact Club Committee Chairs Planning and conducting effective committee meetings Motivating members Creating activity reports 1200-1300 Lunch 1300-1400 Second Plenary Session Speech by district Interact representative or district Interact chair: “Interact Looks Ahead” (challenges of the coming year, club and district goals, proposing chal- lenges to each club to undertake a new community and international service activity, incorporating the RI annual theme, motivating Interact club members, goal setting) Question and answer session 1400-1530 Group Discussion Sessions Group 1 International Understanding Developing effective annual projects and activities designed to promote international understanding, including examples of successful past and current projects Group 2 Service Developing projects aimed at serving the school or community, including examples of successful past and current projects Interact Handbook 21  Group 3 Club Duties of the club committee Strategies for promoting attendance and developing membership Meeting agendas Public relations Group 4 Finance Duties of the finance committee Strategies for carrying out activities and providing funding Ideas for fundraising projects, including examples of successful past and current projects 1530-1545 Break 1545-1630 Closing Plenary Session Final announcements, thank-you’s, recap of discussions, distribution of written survey to participants to get feedback on the effectiveness of the training workshop Speech by district Interact representative or district Interact chair: “Youth Serving the World — Inspiration and Motivation for Your Year as Interact Club Leaders” Adjournment 22 Interact Handbook 6 Interact and Rotary International Program Policies should be pursued through the sponsoring Rotary club. However, a sponsoring Rotary club is not Guiding policies for the Interact program come obliged to submit a proposal on behalf of the from the RI Board of Directors (18 past district Interact club to the Council on Legislation. governors from around the world) and the RI president (elected annually by Rotary clubs). Changes to the Interact program that would Program Administration affect the constitution and bylaws of Rotary International or the RI-prescribed constitution of RI Theme Rotary clubs must be considered and acted on by Each year the RI president introduces a theme that the RI Council on Legislation. This legislative aims to unite the service projects of Interact clubs body meets every third year and is attended by a and their sponsoring Rotary clubs with those of representative of the Rotary clubs of each district. Interact and Rotary clubs around the world. The Interact program does not have a separate Through this theme, the president invites Interact legislative body for considering constitutional clubs to take part in a global effort to improve amendments. If an Interact club supports such a world understanding and peace. change, submitting the proposal for consideration RI Interact Committee At the discretion of the RI president, an interna- tional committee is appointed to serve in an advisory capacity to the RI Board. Interactors and Rotarians who wish to make proposals to the Board regarding the Interact program should work through the RI Interact Committee. RI Secretariat and Interact The RI Secretariat is made up of the RI World Headquarters in Evanston, Illinois, USA, and its seven international offices in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, India, Japan, Korea, and Switzerland. The Secretariat staff is committed to providing excellent service in administering the Interact program worldwide. Addresses, phone and fax numbers, and e-mail contact information for the Secretariat offices are listed on page 53. Interact Handbook 23  3. If an Interact club wishes to be reinstated Interact Club Certification and after having been terminated, it may do so at Termination any time, provided it has the support of its The RI Secretariat acts as a central administrator sponsoring Rotary club. Please contact the for Interact clubs. Each new Interact club is Community Programs Section at RI World required to submit a completed Interact Club Headquarters or the international office Organization List to the international office serving your area, and provide current serving its area. This information becomes part of Interact club information to reactivate a a computerized list, maintained at RI World terminated club. Headquarters, of officially organized Interact clubs, making it possible to promote international Communication and regional communication among Interact Good communication between RI, Interact clubs. clubs, and their sponsoring Rotary clubs is key To ensure the accuracy of the records kept at RI to the health and growth of Interact. Mailings World Headquarters, Interact clubs submit an are sent each year from RI World Headquarters Incoming Interact Officer Data Form (page 45) providing Interact program updates, informa- each year. In addition, any club president or tion on new publications, and announcements contact person whose name or address informa- about special activities such as World Interact tion changes at any time during the Rotary year Week to all district Interact chairs, Interact must notify Rotary International immediately. clubs, and sponsoring Rotary clubs. Interact clubs should also make a special effort to keep Keeping RI informed of such changes is crucial RI informed of their activities. because: 1. If mail sent to a club is returned to the Correspondence Exchange List Secretariat as undeliverable and RI staff are The Interact Correspondence Exchange List is unable to reach the club president through the produced annually by the Community Pro- district Interact chair, the sponsoring Rotary grams Section of Rotary International to club president, or the district governor, the facilitate communication between Interact club is in danger of being terminated by RI. members and to strengthen the international 2. The Interact club has a 90-day suspension element of the Interact program. RI encourages period in which to provide updated contact Interact clubs and districts to use this list to information to RI. If an update isn’t received share ideas and opinions about current issues within this time, RI will terminate the club. pertaining to youth or to organize international projects, such as cultural exchanges or service activities. The Correspondence Exchange List includes only the names and addresses of clubs that want to be listed (clubs that have indicated their interest on the Incoming Interact Officer Data Form). RI Publications The RI Secretariat consistently promotes the Interact program through three of its periodi- cals: THE ROTARIAN, Rotary World, and Rotary News Basket. THE ROTARIAN, published monthly, is the official magazine of Rotary International. Every Rotarian must subscribe either to THE ROTARIAN or to one of the 29 regional Rotary magazines published in 21 languages. To subscribe to THE ROTARIAN, for US$12 a year, contact the Circulation Department at RI World Headquar- 24 Interact Handbook ters by mail: Rotary International, One Rotary exhibition, and plenary sessions. Participation in Center, 1560 Sherman Avenue, Evanston, IL the RI Convention gives Interactors a broader 60201-3698, USA; telephone: (847) 866-3174 or understanding of Rotary, its internationality, -3168; or e-mail: [email protected]. and its service to the world, as well as a better sense of how Interact fits into the Rotary family. Rotary World, published five times a year in nine languages, is a tabloid-size newspaper for Rotary World Interact Week club, district, and international leaders. To obtain a During the week in which 5 November falls, year’s subscription, for US$5, contact the Circula- Interact clubs and their sponsors join in a tion Department by mail (see address above); worldwide celebration of Interact. World telephone: (847) 866-3171; or e-mail: Interact Week coincides with the date that the [email protected]. first Interact club was officially certified by Rotary News Basket is a weekly four-page report of Rotary International in 1962. In celebration of Rotary news and features. To subscribe, call the RI this week, Interact clubs are invited to join with Publications Department at (847) 866-3409. An their Rotary club sponsors to carry out partner annual subscription, sent by airmail, costs US$22. activities and promote the positive effects that Rotary News Basket may also be downloaded at the Interact clubs have on their communities. RI Web site (www.rotary.org). To view current and back issues of THE ROTARIAN, Rotary World, and Rotary News Basket, go to the News and Information section of the RI Web site. To look up regional Rotary magazines and the language editions of Rotary World, click on Lan- guage Communities on the RI home page. Special Events and Recognition RI Convention Interactors are invited and encouraged to participate in the annual RI Convention. Interactors can take part in special forums, workshops, the projects Interact Handbook 25 7 RI and Rotary Foundation Resources One of the primary goals of Interact clubs is to Rotary International provide service locally and internationally. Rotary International and The Rotary Foundation of RI Resources have a variety of programs, activities, and emphases to support the efforts of Interact clubs in developing their service projects. This chapter details these offerings and lists materials that provide additional information. To order any of Rotary Youth Leadership Awards the publications listed below, complete the RI (RYLA) Publication Order Form found on page 43 and send it to the international office for your area, or RYLA is a program sponsored by Rotarians at order through the RI Online Publications Catalog the local level in which young people ages 14-30 at www.rotary.org. attend a training workshop focusing on leader- ship and professional development topics of The publication number for each item is listed in interest to their specific age group. parentheses. An asterisk (*) denotes a publication RYLA Brochure (636-EN) — A promotional that is also available for download from the RI brochure describing the RYLA program and its Web site; WO indicates a publication that is benefits available only by download. Rotary Youth Leadership Awards Guidelines (694- EN)* — Suggestions for clubs or districts that wish to develop leadership among young people RYLA Poster (635-EN) — Colorful poster promoting the RYLA program Youth Exchange The Youth Exchange program sends secondary- school students to study or travel abroad for up to one academic year in order to advance international understanding and goodwill. Students ages 15-19 live with a host family and experience life, culture, and education in another country firsthand. For more information, consult the Youth Exchange Handbook (746-EN)* or your district Youth Exchange chair. 26 Interact Handbook  Community Service Communities in Action: A Guide to Effective Projects (605A-EN)* — This booklet offers step- by-step instructions on how to develop, carry out, Rotaract and evaluate a service project, including informa- Rotaract i