Iola Rotarians learned how to develop a young Rotary group at their meeting last week.
Steve Lovick, Fort Smith, Ark., is the district 6110 Interact chairman. Interact is an international organization of service for youths 12 to 18. The club holds the same principals as Rotary does and is sponsored by the local club.
“It gives them the opportunities to participate in Rotary and provides leadership skills and personal integrity,” Lovick said.
Recent clubs that have started Interact are Grove, Okla., Bartlesville, Okla. and Claremore, Okla.
Lovick said the first step is to find someone at the school who is interested in being a sponsor for Interact. Once the school is on board, a club can be formed.
Each year, Interact clubs must complete at least one community service project and one international project. One newly formed club set its sights high on the fundraising scale.
“They had a dance and had more than 300 kids at the fundraiser and raised $75,000,” Lovick said.
Interact would have two meetings a month. Some members wondered how a club could be formed if a school was hesitant.
“It can only help the school,” Lovick said. “It’s not going to hurt it.”
They only need one adviser for the club and three or four members from the Rotary to help out.
“It’s good for the community and school,” he said. “It’s a win-win for everyone.”
Rotarians look to develop young group
