Yesterday marked the start of World Interact Week 2017. Let us celebrate World Interact Week (30 October - 5 November) on social media, in your communities as well as continued tangible support of your Rotary Club sponsored Interact Clubs. District Governor Robert Leger urges Rotary Club to be active in guiding and assisting the Interact Clubs in District 7020.
Interact is Rotary International's service club for young people ages 12 to 18. As one of the most significant and fastest-growing programs of Rotary service, with more than 10,700 clubs in 109 countries and geographical areas, Interact has become a worldwide phenomenon. Almost 200,000 young people are involved in Interact clubs, which are sponsored by individual Rotary clubs that provide continued advice and guidance, but they are self-governing and self-supporting. Club membership varies greatly and can be large or small. They can draw from the student body of a single high school or from two or more high schools in the same community.
Each year, Interact clubs complete at least two community service projects, one of which furthers international understanding and goodwill. Through these efforts, Interactors develop a network of friendships with local and overseas clubs and learn the importance of - Developing leadership skills and personal integrity - Demonstrating helpfulness and respect for others - Understanding the value of individual responsibility and hard work - Advancing international understanding and goodwill.
Interact Clubs in District 7020 recognise the challenges that have impacted our District as a result of the various hurricanes that have adversely impacted our region this year. We have urged each Interact Club in District 7020 to have at least one (1) community service project being fundraising to support the victims of these recent hurricanes.
Here are a few suggestions for your Clubs to consider in celebrating World Interact Week, 2017:-
1. Invite your sponsored Interact Club(s) to your weekly meeting to speak about the 2017-2018 plans and goals for the Interact Club(s),
2. Have members of your Club attend the meeting of your sponsored Interact Club(s) in the coming weeks and offer for Rotary Club members to give career talks at Interact meetings,
3. Consider sponsoring a new Interact Club or giving tangible support to existing Interact Clubs,
4. Invite Interactors to join you in your Clubs community service projects,
5. Invite Interact Clubs to join RI President Ian Risely's challenge to Rotary International plant 1.2 million trees on or before Earth Day to be held on April 22, 2018, and
6. Invite Rotarians to visit the instagram and facebook sites of Interact District 7020 and "like" the works of the various Interact Clubs.
District Governor Robert and the District 7020 team urges each Rotary Club to continue supporting and guiding Interact Clubs that were sponsored by your club and to make plans to establish new Interact Clubs in your community.
As Chair of District 7020 Interact we are happy to serve you by lending a hand by providing your Clubs with guidance, ideas and suggestions as to how your Clubs can support Interact. We also looks forward to your suggestions and comments on growing the Interact movement in our District. Please feel free to contact me directly at (876) 995-6402 or "dcwalker@hmf.com.jm".
Let us “Grow Stronger as we Serve Better”.
Yours in Rotary Service,
Donovan C. Walker
District 7020 Rotary - Interact (Chair 2017-18)