Starting An Interact Club
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Starting an Interact Club
The goal of International Service through Interact is to encourage and foster the advancement of International understanding, goodwill, and peace through a world fellowship of youth united in the ideal of service.
Interact clubs organize a variety of projects and activities that depend primarily on the interests of club members. Within the Interact program, all clubs work to enhance leadership skills, serve their community, and expand international understanding. Together, these efforts ensure a balanced club program and provide important experience and opportunities for each Interactor’s personal development.
Guidelines
Interact is a dynamic program that has the potential to fuel a lifetime of service. If you’re thinking of starting an Interact club in your community, here are the basic requirements:
- Each Interact club must perform at least two service projects a year: one that benefits the school or community and one that furthers International understanding.
- Interact clubs must have a Rotary Adviser who is a member of the sponsoring Rotary club. This person must attend Interact regular meetings, board meetings and provide advice on organizing service projects, fundraising, and club administration. The Rotary Adviser also acts as a liaison between the Interact club and the sponsoring Rotary club.
- An Interact club can be school or community based. A community-based Interact club may draw members from several different schools within the territorial limits of the sponsoring Rotary club, including home schooled students as long as they fit the age requirements. The Rotary adviser must attend every meeting of a community-based club, which could be in some cases could include e-meetings.
- A school-based club is subject to the policies and regulations governing all other organizations of that particular school. In most instances, a faculty counselor (who may or may not be a Rotarian) is appointed to work with the Interactors. In the case of a school-based club, the Rotary Adviser is only required to attend the Interact club’s board meetings.
- Interact clubs must meet at least twice a month. To remain eligible for membership, Interactors must attend at least 60 percent of regularly scheduled meetings.
- Each club is a self-supporting organization that requires little or no financial support from the sponsoring Rotary club.
- Dues, if any, should be minimal, and money for projects and activities should be raised through club activities.
- Each Interact club must submit an Incoming Officer Data Form (PDF) and an Interact Project Data Form (PDF) to RI annually. These forms available in the Interact Handbook.
- An Interact club is not allowed to merge with any other organization. Read more about program administration, and update your club’s contact information.
Charter application
Once an Interact club has achieved a strong membership base, it must apply for a charter from Rotary International. Complete a Interact Club Certification form (PDF), and send it to RI headquarters or the international office in your area. After Rotary International receives the completed form, an official charter certificate will be mailed to the president of the sponsor Rotary club. Rotary clubs might consider planning a special ceremony or celebration to present the Interact charter certificate.
Other Resources
Additional copies of all Interact publications can be obtained through Publications Order Services (phone: 847-866-4600) or online.
More detailed information about program guidelines can be found in the Statement of Policy Relating to Interact (PDF), the Standard Interact Club Constitution (PDF), and the Standard Interact Club Bylaws (PDF).