Interact

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Over the past twenty years Rotary clubs worldwide have been instrumental in sponsoring thousands of Interact Clubs in high schools and middle schools.  The Interact Clubs are comprised of students from age 11 through 18 who meet on a weekly basis and operate just as any club would with a President, Secretary, Treasurer, etc. The unique distinction between and Interact Club and any other club is their mission.  The Interact Clubs spend anywhere from 5 to 15 hours per week average volunteering their time to help others.

2011 Interact Leadership Conference

Redwood Alliance Conference Grounds, Occidental, CA 

Interact Club Advisors from the Rotary Club of Rohnert Park-Cotati also attending were

Marilyn Eskew, Nanette Francois and LuAnn Schaan.

The Interact Leadership Conference... Wow!!!

Each year in March, I'm always amazed at the energy and fellowship that takes place at the Rotary District 5130 Interact Leadership Conference. If anyone wonders where our future leaders will come from, or have any doubts about what our future world will be like... attend this event. You will see how 200-plus students and advisors from 18-plus Northern California schools enjoy three days of interactivity and friendship. They share ideas, compare projects, smile a lot, listen to inspirational speakers, laugh a lot, make speeches, perform skits, dance with each other, accept awards, and plan future cooperative projects together with other Interact clubs.

Friday afternoon check-ins, friendship renewals, and camp exploring - followed by an excellent dinner at 6PM. Friday evening, everyone participates in games and mixers.

Saturday morning begins with the 'breakfast bell' at 8AM. The conference ceremonies start at 9 with an official welcome by the District Interact Chairperson. This is followed by a presentation of past year's projects by each Interact club in attendance. These two hours of sharing ideas with each other is one of the highlights of every conference. It tells the story of Interact activity in our district and is of particular interest to guests.

After lunch, inspirational speakers present programs on topics of interest to these young leaders of tomorrow.

Dinner is followed by skit presentations and a Saturday night dance party rocks us to midnight.

On Sunday at 7AM, a voluntary church service is provided for anyone who wishes to attend. After breakfast, we all get together in the main meeting hall for the closing ceremonies. Awards are presented for 'Most Successful Project(s)', 'Conference Leader' and 'Most Inspirational'.

As the closing ceremonies conclude, a microphone is passed around and students express heartfelt thank yous and good-byes to their friends, peers, teachers and Rotarian advisors. Each year, it seems we are always in agreement - this was the best year yet!

Conference description courtesy of the Interact Club of Elsie Allen High School, Santa Rosa.  Sponsored by the Santa Rosa Sunrise Rotary Club.