Interact

Interact, Rotary International's service club program for young adults (14-18 years) at the secondary school level, was officially inaugurated on 28 October 1962. For the first time, Rotarians were not just serving youth, but were empowering them to serve in their communities and internationally with their Rotary club sponsors.

In 1960, then-RI President, Harold T. Thomas appointed an Ad Hoc Committee on Youth to study the implementation of youth service clubs. The group studied pre-existing youth clubs and consulted with Rotarians, educators, teenagers, and sociologists. Committee Chairman Charles H. Taylor of Christchurch, New Zealand, played the greatest role in the creation and approval of the program through his insight, leadership, and extensive research. The program was named Interact, a combination of the words "international" and "action."

On 5 November 1962, within eight days of the official adoption of the Interact program, the first Interact club was chartered at Melbourne high school, Florida, USA.

Since 1999, recognition for Interact clubs has continued in the form of World Interact Week, which is celebrated every year during the week of 5 November to commemorate the founding of the first Interact club. During World Interact Week, Interactors and Rotarians are encouraged to work together on a variety of service projects. Upon completion of these projects, clubs are recognised with a special pin and letter from the RI president.

Interact continues to experience phenomenal growth. Working together, Interactors and Rotarians continue to show that they are ready for "international action." As of March 2004, we have 9512 clubs in 116 countries with about 2,18,776 Interactors. As per R.I. records, District 3230 sponsors about 184 clubs by 64 Rotary clubs.

Through service activities, Interactors learn the importance of:

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Interact Club Organization List form - Download

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