Interact Club Members Speak To Rotary
New High School Club Is Result of Rotary Leadership Camp Experiences
September 6, 2009
By: Stephen Kent
Interact Members
Last Weeks Meeting - September 1, 2009
Interact is Rotary Internationale's service club for young people ages 14 to 18.
Qwinn Shorkey, Cody Whitman, and
Laci Stanton from the Standish Sterling High School spoke to Rotary about their experience in going to Rotary Leadership Camp and then starting their own Interact club at the school.
The Interact club was the idea of Qwinn and a friend who went to Leadership camp two years ago. They came back inspired and ready to try to build a club. They had the help of the Rotary Club in Pinconning but even for those Rotarians this was a new experience. Everyone learned by doing.
According to Rotary International, Interact clubs are sponsored by individual Rotary clubs, which provide support and guidance, but they are self-governing and self-supporting. That was certainly the experience with this club. The adults have helped, but the students have been the driving force.
Interact Clubs vary in size, gender makeup, and whether they are from one school or combine several. All clubs have the goal of completing at least two service projects a year, one of which should "further international understanding and goodwill".
The Interact has embraced the service club role wholeheartedly. They have helped with the school's food bank, held pancake breakfasts, adopted a highway and organized clean ups, and participated in the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. RI notes that such projects help students 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
According to RI, Interact is one of the most significant and fastest-growing programs of Rotary service. There are more than 10,700 clubs in 109 countries and geographical areas boasting almost 200,000 young people as members.
New Sheriff In Town
CLUB NEWS and ANNOUNCEMENTS
New Sargent at Arms Andrea Hales did a great job on her first day in office. We look forward to some fun during her term. Of course we appreciate and enjoy the other co-Sargents as well.
Over the next few months lunch will be on the table at noon allowing members to start the meal earlier. The meeting start time will be moved up a few minutes and announcements will be shortened. The objective is to see if the meeting can be finished before 1:30.
International Night is rapidly approaching. The committee is soliciting auction items, volunteers, and input on the October 15 event. Forms and other information is on the
RotaryBayCity.org web site.
Congratulations and thanks to Deb Lutz and Cindy Luczak, who became Paul Harris fellows. And thanks to Jerome Yantz who received his Paul Harris with 3 rubies signifying a Plus 9 level. Ralph Knopp was awarded his pin with two sapphires (+3 level) and Chuck and Nancy Cusick advanced to the first ruby level.
The club mourns the loss last week of of John Noell at the age of 87. John was a member of this club from 1965 to 2003 and was Club President in the 1977-78 Rotary year.
DATES TO REMEMBER
International Night 2009 has been scheduled for October 15. The theme will be a Mediterranean Cruise.
SPECIAL NOTE:
The Board Meeting has been change to
September 15 at 11:00.
That's one week later than usual.
Upcoming Programs
(See the official schedule at
RotaryBayCity.org )
September 8:
10 Minute Rotarians:
Rod Sundstrom and Barb Engelhardt.
September 15:
Girl Scouts
Five Girl Scout councils in Michigan merged to form one high capacity council called Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan. Dorothy Hammond, Membership Specialist, will explain how girls now have even more opportunities to discover, connect, and take action throughout the state.
September 22:
River of Time
Members of the River of Time Committee will update us on what's new this year at the River of Time Living History Event. Included will be a presentation by local reenactors.
Visit
RotaryBayCity.org