INTERACT

HANDBOOK
Preface

The purpose of this handbook is:

● To guide Rotarians in their efforts to organize Interact clubs.
● To provide Rotarians and Interactors with information on adminis-
tering an Interact club.
● To define the role of the district Interact committee.
● To illustrate effective project development.
● To highlight the resources of Rotary International and The Rotary
Foundation available to Rotarians and Interactors.
Table of Contents

Preface
Introduction␣ ␣ 1
What is Interact?
A Key Member of the Rotary Family
History

1. Guidelines for Rotary Clubs␣ ␣ 3

Getting Started
Ideas for Recruiting Prospective Interactors
Hold an Organization Meeting
Chartering the Interact Club
Hold an Inaugural Ceremony
Hold an Installation Ceremony
Provide Ongoing Support
Sponsor an Annual Meeting

2. Guidelines for Interact Club Officers␣ ␣ 7

Structure
Form Committees
Conduct Effective Meetings
Recruit and Retain Members
Develop a Strong Service Program
Carry Out Effective Fund-Raising Activities
Maintain Good Communication

3. District Interact Structure␣ ␣ 13

Promote the Interact Program Among Rotary Clubs
Provide Leadership Training for Interact Club Officers
Sponsor District Interact Meetings
Arrange Multidistrict Meetings
Publicize the District Interact Program
Suggested Activities for District Interact Chairpersons
4. Interact in Action␣ ␣ 17
Project Examples

5. Rotary International and Interact␣ ␣ 19

Basic Policies and Procedures of Interact
RI Secretariat and Interact
World Interact Week
International Convention
RI Calendar

6. Resources␣ ␣ 23
Resources of Rotary International
Resources of The Rotary Foundation
Licensed Suppliers

7. Appendices␣ ␣ 27
Introduction

What is Interact? Through their service activities, Interactors

learn the importance of:
Interact is a Rotary-sponsored service club • developing leadership skills and
for young people. Made up of members age personal integrity
14-18 or secondary-school age, Interact
gives young people an opportunity to par- • demonstrating helpfulness and respect
ticipate in fun, meaningful service projects. for others
Interact clubs perform at least two projects • understanding the value of individual
a year, with one serving the community responsibility and hard work
and the other furthering international • advancing international understanding
understanding. Along the way, Interactors and goodwill
develop their leadership skills and initia-
tive while meeting new friends. Interactors have access to the many re-
sources of Rotary International and The
Rotary Foundation. Rotary International
provides the administrative support that
helps Interact clubs thrive.

A Key Member of the

Rotary Family
Rotary International is a worldwide service
organization for leading business and
professional men and women, with 29,000
Rotary clubs and more than 1.2 million
members. Interact clubs are self-supported
and self-governing but receive guidance
from a sponsoring Rotary club. This
sponsorship is a result of Rotary’s concern
that young people, or “New Generations,”
should take an active interest in commu-
nity life and have the opportunity to
develop leadership skills. Interact provides
a vehicle through which New Generations
can find that involvement.

Organizing an Interact club is one of the

most rewarding activities a Rotary club can
undertake in its community. The Interact

Interact Handbook 1
 program gives Rotarians the opportunity to widespread feeling among Rotarians that
mentor promising young men and women Rotary’s potential for developing youth
interested in service. Rotarians serve as service had not been fully realized. In 1960
resources for Interactors who are on the Thomas appointed a committee of five
path toward becoming professionals and Rotarians to study the issue, and two years
community leaders. In turn, an Interact later, 23 students at Melbourne High School
club can bring new energy to a Rotary club, in Melbourne, Florida, USA, came together
inspire fresh ideas for service, increase to form the first Interact club.
support of projects, and help develop
future Rotarians. A successful Interact club The word Interact stands for international
will form service partnerships with its action, and today more than 150,000 young
sponsoring club. people in about 100 countries belong to
some 6,500 clubs, making Interact a truly
History international phenomenon. All over the
world, young people are spreading fellow-
When RI President Harold T. Thomas ship and international understanding
traveled the world during his year in office through a wide array of Interact service
in 1959-60, he discovered a deep and activities.

2 Interact Handbook
1
Guidelines
for Rotary
Clubs
Getting Started territorial limits of the Rotary club, and the
Rotarian advisor is only required to attend
If a Rotary club is interested in sponsoring the club’s board meetings. The majority of
an Interact club, the chairperson of the Interact clubs are school-based.
club’s Community Service committee Sponsorship of a school-based club requires
should form an Interact subcommittee of a member of the subcommittee to meet
at least five members. One member of the with school officials to explain the program
subcommittee should be designated as the and its advantages. Rotarians and school
advisor to the new club. As part of the officials should continue to work together
information-gathering process, the sub- to determine membership requirements,
committee should consult with the district the time and location of the Interact club’s
Interact chairperson (a Rotarian appointed meetings, and other policies.
by the district governor to oversee the
Interact program within the district) to
learn how other Interact clubs function
in the district. Joint sponsorship
The subcommittee should study the of an Interact club
requirements of sponsorship (included in
the Standard Interact Club Constitution, An Interact club can be sponsored by more
Appendix B) and then make a presentation than one Rotary club under the following
to the entire Rotary club, emphasizing that conditions:
the involvement of Rotarians is essential to ✓ the district governor approves the
the success of an Interact club and high- arrangement in writing
lighting the rewards of sponsoring service-
✓ a substantial percentage of the member-
minded young people. The lively video
ship must come from within the territo-
“Serious Fun” (650), which shows
rial limits of each sponsoring club
Interactors from various parts of the world
in action, can be a helpful addition to the ✓ the circumstances must be such that the
presentation. organization of separate Interact clubs,
each sponsored by a single Rotary club,
After the Rotary club board approves the would create an artificial division of
sponsorship of an Interact club, the club what is essentially a single body of
must decide whether its Interact club will young adults within the school or
be community-based or school-based. A community
community-based club draws its members
from several schools within the territorial ✓ a joint Interact committee is created with
limits of the Rotary club, and the Rotarian representation from each of the sponsor-
advisor must attend all of the club’s ing Rotary clubs
meetings. A school-based club draws its
members from one school within the

Interact Handbook 3
 Ideas for Recruiting
Prospective Interactors
● Encourage each member of the Rotary
club to submit the name of at least one
prospective Interactor.
● Ask teachers and local youth leaders to
submit names of potential members.
● Contact all prospective Interactors to
determine their interest in joining.
● Ask prospective Interactors to provide
the names of other young people who
might want to join.

Once a group of potential Interactors has

been identified, arrange an informational
meeting. While it is recommended that an
Interact club include at least 15 members,
you should make sure that a minimum of
30 young people have been identified
before you hold an informational meeting. invite Interactors from nearby clubs who
The meeting should be informal. The can share their experiences and answer
Interact subcommittee, the Rotary club questions.
president, and the district Interact chair-
person should attend the meeting. Also At the meeting:
● Give the students a general idea of the
background of Rotary and its commit-
ment to young people.
● Explain the policies and goals of Inter-
act, including a description of some
recent Interact service projects. (See pages
17-18 for examples.)
● Show the video “Serious Fun” (650).
● Give the prospective Interactors plenty
of time to ask questions and share their
ideas for projects for the new club.
● Take a vote at the end of the meeting to
confirm that there is enough interest to
establish an Interact club.
● Pass out membership application forms
(Appendix E) and schedule an organiza-
tional meeting for a time in the next two
weeks.

Hold an Organizational
Meeting
Once a group of interested prospective
Interactors has been assembled, you can
begin to organize the club. Hold organiza-
tional meetings to plan the club’s activities.
Keep the enthusiasm level high by holding
the meetings no more than two weeks
apart, and be sure to keep a record of the

4 Interact Handbook
names and phone numbers of those who A), the Standard Interact Club Constitu-
attend so you can invite them to future tion (Appendix B), and the Standard
meetings. Encourage them to invite friends. Interact Club By-Laws (Appendix C).

Each Interact club’s development is unique. Chartering the Interact Club

There are no requirements for the number
of meetings held before the certification of When a prospective Interact club has
a club, but several issues should be ad- organized itself, it should be ready to
dressed during the organizational phase: proceed with applying for official RI
● Hold elections for president, vice- certification. In accordance with the Inter-
president, secretary, treasurer, and other act Statement of Policy (Appendix A), the
officers. Provide them with copies of the prospective club should first adopt the
officers’ responsibilities outlined in Standard Interact Club Constitution
Chapter 2. (Appendix B) and all of its amendments. It
should also adopt by-laws consistent with
● Aim to include equal numbers of stu- the Standard Interact Club Constitution
dents from each grade level. and policy established by Rotary Interna-
● Discuss and establish annual club dues. tional. These by-laws are subject to the
● Determine where and when the club approval of the sponsoring Rotary club.
meetings will be held. The Interact Club Organization List (Ap-
● Begin preliminary planning for service pendix F) should then be filled out listing
activities, fund-raising events, and the all charter members who have committed
inaugural ceremony. to attending a minimum of 60 percent of
● Familiarize members with the Statement the club’s service and social activities. The
of Policy Relating to Interact (Appendix organization list must then be signed by the
sponsoring Rotary club president and the
district governor and sent to RI World
Headquarters or the RI Service Center
serving the area for club certification.

Upon certification of the Interact club, the

sponsoring Rotary club will receive a
certificate that can be presented to the
newly formed Interact club.

Hold an Inaugural
Ceremony
The chartering of an Interact club is an
exciting moment. The Rotary club sponsor
may wish to host an inaugural ceremony.
An inaugural ceremony is a good way for
the sponsoring Rotarians to welcome the
Interactors as partners in Rotary service.
Each ceremony is unique and has no set
format. You might wish to invite district
leaders such as the district governor,
district Interact chairperson, and district
Interact representative to this celebration to
help establish the presence of the new
Interact club in the district.

Hold an Installation
Ceremony
Another special moment for your new
Interact club will be the installation of club

Interact Handbook 5
 officers. An officer installation can be a ● Counseling the Interactors when they
ceremonious occasion or a gala at which plan service projects or fund-raising
the new club officers are officially recog- activities.
nized as the club’s leadership for the year. ● Acting as a liaison between the Rotary
An installation ceremony is then held club and the Interactors and between the
annually to thank the past officers for their Rotary club and the faculty advisor (for
year of dedicated work and to greet new school-based clubs).
officers for the year to come.
● Overseeing the Interact club’s elections
The incoming president and officers of the each year and reporting the names and
sponsoring Rotary club should be invited addresses of new officers to the district
to this event so they can get acquainted Interact committee.
with the new Interact club officers. This can
increase communication between Interact The faculty advisor
and Rotary clubs and strengthen joint It is extremely helpful to have a faculty
projects and activities. advisor at a school-based club. The faculty
advisor oversees the activities of the
Provide Ongoing Support Interact club and maintains regular contact
with the Rotarian advisor and school
The support and guidance of the sponsor-
administration so that they are kept abreast
ing Rotary club is a key ingredient in the
of the club’s business and any problems
success of an Interact club. Consider these
that should arise. Specifically, the faculty
suggestions for creating lasting bonds
advisor:
between your club and the Interact club:
● Attends all of the club’s meetings.
● Invite Interactors to the Rotary club’s
meetings to report on their activities. ● Advises the Interactors on service
projects, particularly in-school projects.
● Create an annual Rotary/Interact service
project. ● Monitors the flow of club funds.
● Show the Interactors how to produce a ● Verifies that new members meet the
club bulletin. school’s academic requirements.
● Help the Interact club develop strategies
for recruiting and retaining members.
Sponsor an Annual Meeting
● Establish a recognition program that Your Rotary club’s Interact committee
acknowledges Interactors’ achievements. should host an annual meeting at the
(Use the sample certificate in Appendix beginning of the school year or, in the case
O.) of a community-based club, at the begin-
ning of the Rotary year. Invite all
● Publicize Interactors’ achievements to
Interactors, your Rotary club president, and
the community and to the Rotary world.
all interested members of your club. The
(See the Interact Project Data Form in
meeting should cover the following topics:
Appendix L.)
meeting programs, procedures, completed
● Inform Interactors of other Rotary pro- projects, ongoing projects, attendance,
grams available to them. (See Chapter 6.) membership development, publicity, and
● Invite the Interact president and secre- future plans.
tary to meet with the district governor
during the governor’s official visit to Insurance
your club.
There are no Rotary International insurance
The Rotarian advisor requirements for Interact clubs. Your Rotary
The Rotarian advisor plays a major role in club’s Interact committee is advised to assess
the club’s support of its Interact club. The Interact-related liability issues and seek
advisor attends the board meetings of appropriate insurance. Rotary clubs covered
school-based clubs and all meetings of by group insurance may contact their carrier
community-based clubs. Responsibilities and ask about provisions that allow adding an
include: Interact club to their existing coverage.

6 Interact Handbook
2
Guidelines
for Interact
Club Officers
Structure Before taking office, the president should:
● Study the Interact Statement of Policy,
Under the leadership of the Interact club Constitution, and By-Laws (Appendices
president, the members of an Interact club A, B, and C).
plan fund-raising activities, service
projects, and social events. It is the role of
● Meet with the current president to
the Interact club’s board of directors to review the club’s records and discuss its
review and approve those plans. The board current activities.
of directors consists of all of the club ● Meet with the new board of directors to
officers (president, vice-president, secre- review current activities and plan new
tary, and treasurer) and an additional ones.
number of officers determined by the size ● Decide which of the existing committees
of the club. The Interact club’s board of should be retained for the upcoming
directors is the governing body of the club year, and think about any new commit-
and meets at least once a month. Club tees that can be created.
members in good standing may attend
board meetings as observers, speaking only
● Appoint committee chairpersons based
with permission of the board. on qualifications and Interact experience
(see Appendix J, The Interact Club
All club administrative matters should be Committee Appointment Worksheet)
conducted at board meetings, which should and discuss the new chairpersons’
be held at least once a month. At the next choices for committee members.
club meeting, the board must make a full
report on actions taken. The Rotarian While in office, the president should:
advisor must attend all board meetings. ● Conduct effective meetings by preparing
a detailed agenda that includes what
President will be covered and for how long. Allow
The president presides over all meetings of time for reports from officers and
the club and the board of directors, ap- committee members.
points all standing and special committees ● Pay attention to membership growth
(with board approval), and serves as a and development. Maintain a balance
member of all committees. As the club among age groups and keep current
leader, the president helps members to members’ interest high by giving them
develop as leaders and works to ensure plenty of opportunity to participate and
that the club’s activities and service projects voice their opinions.
are successfully promoted and completed. ● Be creative when planning the club’s
The president should develop a talent for
meeting programs and plan them well in
identifying members’ skills and interests
advance. Vary the types of programs
and put them to work in club projects.
(speakers, panel discussions, trips,

Interact Handbook 7
 entertainment) to satisfy a wide range of – place
interests. – presiding officer
● Avoid getting caught up in the details. – attendance
Delegate responsibility to help other
members develop their leadership skills. – approval and correction of last
meeting’s minutes
● Actively communicate and collaborate
with the Rotarian advisor, the faculty – treasurer’s statement, in totals only
advisor, and the district Interact chair- – summary of reports from officers
person. and committees
– summary of actions taken and
Vice-President of the program
The vice-president presides over meetings
– announcements
when the president is absent, serves as a
member of the board of directors, and may – time of adjournment
handle special assignments for the presi-
dent. Before taking office and throughout Treasurer
the year, the vice-president should keep The treasurer works with the secretary to
up to date on all of the club’s goals and maintain accurate financial records. The
ongoing activities. The vice-presidency is treasurer should be a responsible, detail-
not an automatic steppingstone to the oriented person. The treasurer, who serves
presidency, but it serves as an excellent as the chairperson of the finance commit-
training ground for a future club leader. tee, collects membership dues (see Appen-
dix H), deposits the dues and all proceeds
Secretary from fund-raising projects, and handles
The secretary maintains all club records, most of the work of preparing and admin-
including membership records, which are istering the budget. The treasurer also
necessary for determining who is eligible prepares a monthly report that shows the
to vote. These consist of: the membership following:
activities record (Appendix I), the commit- ● money on hand at the beginning and the
tee appointment worksheet (Appendix J), end of the month
attendance records (Appendix G), record ● receipts, with their source (dues, sale of
of dues payments (Appendix H), and each
items, etc.) clearly indicated
member’s original application form
(Appendix E). ● payments, showing for what and
to whom
The secretary also completes the Interact
Incoming Officer Data Form (Appendix A final report summing up the year’s
K) and the Interact Project Data Form operation should be given to the club
(Appendix L) and submits them to Rotary and to the incoming treasurer. All of the
International. treasurer’s reports form part of the club’s
permanent record, which should be main-
The secretary must also take minutes at all tained by the club secretary.
meetings. Properly prepared minutes will:
● Reflect what was said at a meeting in a Other officers
clear, concise manner. Along with the president, vice-president,
● Report actions taken at a meeting secretary, and treasurer, an additional
without including details as to how number of officers may be determined
decisions were reached. by the club for inclusion on the board of
directors. This must be approved by the
● Cover the following points: sponsoring Rotary club. Members of the
– kind of meeting (e.g., board meeting, board of directors should be familiar with
club meeting, committee meeting, the Interact constitutional documents
etc.) (Appendices A, B, and C). The board is
– date required to meet at least once a month and
report at the following club meeting on any
– time action taken. Board members should think

8 Interact Handbook
of project ideas, encourage all members to International Understanding Committee
participate, and delegate responsibilities. also has one purpose: to undertake one
At the end of the year, the board makes an project each year that promotes interna-
annual report that covers all major action tional goodwill. For examples of successful
of the year. projects carried out by Interact clubs, see
Chapter 4.
Form Committees
Strong committee leadership
Each Interact club has four standing
Interact committee chairpersons should
committees: the club committee, the
consider these suggestions:
finance committee, the service committee,
and the international understanding ● Give everyone a job to do and keep track
committee. The president appoints the of assignments.
members of these committees, and the ● Establish a set schedule of committee
board must approve those appointments. meetings for the year.
Depending on the club’s size, the president ● Make sure all committee members are
may appoint other committees, such as
familiar with the club’s constitutional
membership, program planning, and
documents and the club’s organization
public relations. The board must approve
and goals.
those appointments as well. Committees
handle many of the club’s administrative ● When you call a meeting, notify the
and service responsibilities, but they may committee members in writing, giving
not take action without the approval of the the date, time, place, and subject of the
membership. meeting.
● Prepare an agenda for the meeting and
Club Committee stick to it.
This committee is responsible for atten- ● Contact members scheduled to make
dance, membership, meeting programs, reports at the meeting and ask if they
fellowship, and public relations. This need any help preparing their reports.
committee comes up with ideas for the
programs at club meetings, ways to recruit
● Ask members for their opinions.
new members and keep current members, ● Keep meetings short and to the point.
and methods for publicizing the club’s ● Keep accurate records but avoid unnec-
activities. The committee should maintain essary paperwork.
a historical record of the club, such as a
scrapbook, that includes pictures and Conduct Effective Meetings
descriptions of the club’s activities.
Club meetings should be held at least twice
Finance Committee a month at a time and place that suits the
This committee decides how the club members (and the school for school-based
will fund its activities, always with an clubs). This suggested format can help you
eye toward keeping dues low and making hold productive meetings:
sure that the club remains self-supporting. ● Open the meeting with a pledge, anthem,
Interactors raise money in a variety of or some other local custom.
ways, such as sales, events, or odd jobs. ● The president introduces guests and
The committee also finds ways to solicit
makes announcements and reminders.
funds from businesses and organizations
by offering something of value - perhaps ● The secretary, treasurer, and committee
services or recognition — in return. chairs make any relevant reports.
● Introduce new members.
Service Committee and ● Present the meeting program.
International Understanding ● Close with thanks to the speakers or
Committee others who have participated.
The Service Committee has one purpose: to ● Adjourn the meeting.
initiate one project each year that benefits
either the school or the community. The

Interact Handbook 9
 ● Maintain a good balance among age
levels and a good balance among males
and females if the club is co-educational.
● Get feedback from the members on the
types of meeting programs they would
like to see.

Develop a Strong
Service Program
Carrying out interesting and creative
service projects is a key element of an
Interact club’s success. Each year, Interact
clubs conduct two service projects — one
that benefits the school or the community,
and one that promotes international
understanding. See Chapter 4 for a descrip-
tion of successful projects conducted by
other clubs. Also consult Chapter 6 for
Recruit and Retain Members information on Rotary International’s
community and international program
The success of an Interact club depends resources.
on the commitment and hard work of its
members. When recruiting new members,
School or community projects
seek out those with special interests and
School or community projects cover a wide
abilities who would be enthusiastic about
scope, so it is helpful to focus your efforts.
the social and service opportunities Interact
Think of the following questions when
provides. The following suggestions can
planning your service activities:
help you build a strong, committed mem-
bership: ● What services does our school/
community need?
● Set membership goals and encourage all
club members to work to meet them. ● What other community organizations
could use our Interact club’s assistance?
● Challenge members to bring in one new
Interactor every six months. ● Can we collaborate with our sponsoring
Rotary club or local Rotaract club on
● Give out an award to the member who
their service efforts?
recruits the most new members.
● What types of community service
● Organize a special event to attract new
projects fit within our club’s budget?
members. Explain the purpose of
Interact, and show the video “Serious
Fun” (650) along with slides or pictures School and community project ideas:
of your club’s activities. Display the
Interact poster (639-MU) and hand out ✓ Hold a blood drive.
the “Serious Fun” brochure (600). ✓ Collect books for a school, library, or
literacy program.
● Publicize your club’s activities in the
school paper and in the community. ✓ Raise awareness of drug or alcohol
abuse, HIV/AIDS, or other health issues.
● Ask experienced Interactors to “adopt”
new members and make them feel ✓ Participate in a clean-up program at a
welcome. park or other public place.
● Assign committee responsibilities to ✓ Raise funds to buy equipment or books
veteran members. This will let them for your school.
know they’re important to the club. ✓ Host a holiday party for disadvantaged
● Monitor attendance. Make sure everyone youth or residents of a nursing home.
attends at least 60 percent of the
meetings.

10 Interact Handbook
International projects When holding a fund-raiser:
International projects often involve an ● Set realistic goals based on how much
exchange of correspondence or visits financial support you’ll need and how
between members of Interact clubs in much money you can raise. Remember
different countries. Establish ongoing that some projects may be expensive to
correspondence with a club before plan- conduct but will also raise more than
ning an exchange or a visit. Correspon- enough money to cover the costs.
dence can include an exchange of photos ● Draw upon the resources you have at
or yearbooks, a joint meeting conducted on
hand. If your members can sing or act,
the telephone, or a regular exchange of
consider putting on a show. Other ideas
e-mail or letters.
include a car wash or a bake sale.
There are three ways to contact a foreign ● Involve all members of the club.
club: ● Promote the project through the local
1. Consult the Interact Correspondence media, including the school newspaper.
Exchange List. Sent by RI to Interact clubs Invite a reporter to attend. Immediately
each September, this list includes contact after the event, send action photographs
information for Interact clubs that have and a brief report of your project to the
indicated an interest in corresponding local media and to RI.
and exchanging with other clubs.
2. Contact district Interact chairpersons in Maintain Good
other countries. Your sponsoring club’s Communication
president has a list of all of the district
Interact chairpersons around the world. Keeping in touch with people who have an
interest in your activities is a good way to
3. Search the World Wide Web for the
help keep your Interact club thriving. You
home pages of Interact clubs.
have three basic lines of communication:
a newsletter for your members and your
Other ideas for international projects: sponsoring club, the forms that you com-
✓ Collect money or goods to send to needy plete and send to RI, and publicity through
people in another country. the local media.
✓ Conduct a service project in a neighbor-
ing country. The club newsletter
The club newsletter should be designed to
✓ Involve exchange students in your club’s
provide information about your club to all
activities.
interested parties, including club members,
✓ Support a project on the RI World the school newspaper, your sponsoring
Community Service Projects Exchange Rotary club, the district Interact committee,
listing (see page 25). the local media, and RI. When creating a
✓ Hold an international festival to increase newsletter remember to include the
your school’s awareness of different following:
cultures. ● Information about proposed, ongoing,
and recently completed service projects
and fund-raising efforts
Carry Out Effective Fund- ● News from RI that pertains to Interact
Raising Activities ● Reports from your club’s officers,
committee members, and directors
Interact clubs are self-financed and dues
should be kept low, so the best way to ● A synopsis of each meeting
finance club service projects and other ● Information about your sponsoring
activities is through fund-raising activities. Rotary club’s activities that would be of
The basic rule to remember when raising interest to your club
funds is that you must offer something of
value in return. Be sure to include in every issue the name
and address of your club, its meeting time
and place, the name of the sponsoring

Interact Handbook 11
 Rotary club, and your Rotary district Public Relations
number. Your club and its projects are likely to
receive more support if the community
World Wide Web knows about them. A good image in the
Consider creating a Web site for your community can also help your club recruit
Interact club. A Web site can serve as an new members and contributes to an
effective tool for sharing information about accurate, positive image of Interact and
your club with your sponsoring club, other Rotary. Publicize your club’s activities in
Interact clubs, and your community. It can the local and school newspapers and other
also include links to your sponsoring Rotary media. The public relations committee of
club’s Web site and the Web site of RI your sponsoring Rotary club should be able
(www.rotary.org). to provide lists of local media contacts.
Make sure that someone is taking action
Forms to be sent to RI pictures at all of your club’s events. Send
The Interact Incoming Officer Data Form
pictures and information about the events
(Appendix K) and the Interact Project Data
to the district Interact chairperson for use
Form (Appendix L) should be completed
in the district Interact newsletter and to
and returned to the Community Programs
the district governor for inclusion in the
section at RI World Headquarters. These
monthly letter to Rotary clubs in the district.
reports are essential for RI Interact records
Also send the pictures and information to
and also provide material for use in various
the Community Programs section at RI
RI publications.
World Headquarters for use in various RI
publications.

Sample Interact news release

CONTACT: (Name, address, and telephone number of the Interact club president or Rotarian
advisor of the Interact club)

Interact club to collect supplies for needy Mexican village

(City, State, Date) — Members of the Interact Club of (name) will be collecting toys, clothing,
blankets and other essentials to provide to residents of the village of Cerro Azul, Mexico.

Cerro Azul, a hillside community near Tecate, is made up of families who live in small shacks or
sheds without furniture, electricity or running water. The residents’ primary source of income is
brickmaking, but they have no kilns, so bricks must be sun-dried in a field. A sudden rainstorm
can destroy a family’s entire livelihood.

Donations may be left in bags at a drop-off center at the school. Members of the Interact club will
prepare the collected goods for shipping next month.
Interact is a Rotary-sponsored service club for young people age 14-18, with more than 150,000
members in more than 6,500 clubs in 100 countries and geographical areas. The worldwide
program was launched by Rotary International in 1962. The Interact Club of (name) is sponsored
by the Rotary Club of (name).

Rotary International is a global network of 29,000 clubs in 161 countries and geographical areas. It
consists of more than 1.2 million professional men and women who, as civic leaders, volunteer to
improve the quality of life in their home and world communities. Rotary clubs support programs
that address today’s most critical issues, including violence, drug abuse, AIDS, hunger, the
environment, illiteracy, youth development and international understanding.

# # #

12 Interact Handbook
3
District
Interact
Structure
District Interact chairperson information by using materials available
The district Interact chairperson is ap- from the RI Secretariat (see Chapter 6), and
pointed by the district governor to admin- invite Interactors to participate in the
ister the Interact program districtwide and presentations by giving firsthand accounts
to offer assistance to Rotary clubs. The of the program’s benefits.
chairperson, along with the district Interact
committee, publicizes the program and Provide Leadership Training
promotes the organization of new Interact for Interact Club Officers
clubs. The committee offers assistance to
clubs by sponsoring Interact district meet- The district Interact committee has the
ings and providing leadership training for responsibility of providing training for
Interact club officers and others. incoming Interact club officers, committee
chairpersons, the incoming district Interact
District Interact representative representative, and the Rotarian and
Districts with five or more clubs elect a faculty advisors. Training should take place
district Interact representative (DIR), an after all the officers in the district have been
Interactor who acts as a liaison between the elected for the coming year but no later
district Interact committee and the district’s than one month before they take office.
Interact clubs. The DIR helps the district The DIR should lead all general sessions of
Interact committee plan districtwide meet- the training program with assistance from
ings and presides at these meetings when- the district Interact chairperson. Interactors
ever possible. The DIR also encourages should lead the group sessions. Make sure
clubs to broaden their service programs that a Rotarian is assigned to each group
and helps to involve Interactors in Rotary to serve as a resource person, providing
projects in the district. information and advice when asked, but
not lecturing or leading the group.
Promote the Interact
Program Among Everyone involved in running the training
program should meet together as a group
Rotary Clubs in advance to make sure that all participants
Encourage Rotary clubs in your district to understand their roles and are adequately
sponsor Interact clubs by speaking at club prepared. For a sample agenda of an
meetings and by making presentations at Interact Leadership Training Program,
the Rotary district conference and district see Appendix M.
assembly. Provide plenty of Interact

Interact Handbook 13
 District meetings are funded by the Interact
clubs themselves, so costs should be kept
to a minimum. For more information on
district Interact meetings, see Article 20 of
the Statement of Policy Relating to Interact
(Appendix A).

Arrange Multidistrict
Meetings
Multidistrict meetings, especially those
that involve Interact club members from
more than one country, are recommended
whenever feasible. They are held under the
guidance of the district governor and your
committee and must be approved by the RI
Board of Directors.

For more information on multidistrict

meetings, see Article 21 of the Statement of
Policy Relating to Interact (Appendix A).

Publicize the District

Interact Program
Your district governor can help you publi-
cize news about the Interact program
districtwide through the Governor’s Monthly
Letter. Keep your district governor informed
about the following:
● All of the activities and accomplishments
of Interact clubs in the district
● News about a district Interact conference
or assembly
● Election of a DIR
Sponsor District Interact Also keep the local news media informed.
Meetings Urge Interact clubs and their sponsoring
Rotary clubs to send news releases on
A district Interact meeting gives Interactors outstanding Interact activities to the local
throughout the district a chance to congre- media and to RI for use in its publications.
gate, exchange information and ideas, The clubs should also include coverage of
evaluate completed projects, plan new these activities in their club bulletins.
projects, and strengthen the spirit of
teamwork and friendship.
Every Interactor in the district should be
invited to the district meeting. The district
Interact representative should assist the
district committee in planning the event.
There are no set guidelines for program
content, but it should be informative and
enjoyable and should promote the forma-
tion of districtwide friendships.

14 Interact Handbook
 Suggested Activities for District Interact Chairpersons

Month Activity

July/August Review materials contained in District Interact Chairperson’s Kit sent by Rotary
International, especially the status report of all Interact clubs in the district. Report
any changes to the Community Programs section at RI and follow up with the
appropriate sponsoring Rotary clubs.
Collect the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of Interact club advisors
from each Interact club in the district, both Rotarians and non-Rotarians. Use this
list as a working district Interact directory and distribute it to those involved with
the program.
Obtain a submission schedule for governor’s monthly newsletter to plan Interact-
related article submissions. Ideas include publicizing Interact projects or upcoming
conferences, writing a profile on an outstanding Interactor, or reminding Interactors
to submit forms to RI.
Begin planning for the following:
● Networking meeting for sponsoring Rotary clubs and faculty advisors
● District training meeting for Interact club officers
● Election of district Interact representative (if there are more than five clubs in
your district)
● District-wide Community and International Service projects

September Review first program mailing sent by RI to Interact clubs, sponsoring Rotary clubs,
district Interact chairpersons, and representatives including:
● Interact Project Data Form (Appendix L)
● World Interact Week Celebration Recognition entry form
● Community Programs fact sheet
● Interact Correspondence Exchange List
● Updated list of district Interact chairpersons
● Updates on outstanding Interact projects and other news

October CELEBRATE WORLD INTERACT WEEK

World Interact Week occurs during the week of 28 October in honor of the anniver-
sary date of the first Interact club’s charter. Share the spirit of Interact by planning
joint activities or cooperative service projects between Interact clubs and their
sponsoring Rotary clubs. Consider visiting Rotary clubs that do not sponsor an
Interact club and give a presentation on the value of the Interact program. Invite
Interactors or Rotarians from a sponsoring Rotary club to join you at the presenta-
tion. Remind Interact clubs to complete the World Interact Week Celebration
Recognition entry form and return it to RI.

Interact Handbook 15
 Month Activity

February Review second program mailing sent by RI to Interact clubs, sponsoring Rotary
clubs, district Interact chairpersons, and district Interact representatives including:
● Interact Incoming Officer Data Form (Appendix K)
● Other program news and updates
Encourage Interactors to engage in activities that promote international goodwill
and cultural appreciation in honor of RI World Understanding Month.
Plan activities in celebration and recognition of the importance of the family for RI
Family Week (second week of February).

March Remind Interact clubs to begin the process of electing officers for the upcoming
year.
Complete and return the District Interact Annual Survey sent by RI to all district
Interact chairpersons.

April Recognize the activities of outstanding Interact clubs in the district, or honor
Rotary clubs demonstrating an outstanding commitment to the growth or success
of the program.

May Submit Interact Incoming Officer Data Forms (Appendix K), due at RI on 1 May.
Please emphasize the importance of submitting these forms in a timely fashion.

June Remind Interact clubs to submit any remaining Interact Project Data Forms (Ap-
pendix L).
Consider hosting a district conference or meeting for your Interactors to celebrate
the year’s achievements.
Meet with the incoming district Interact chairman for training, exchanging ideas,
and discussing strategies for improving the Interact program in the upcoming year.

16 Interact Handbook
4
Interact
in Action

Service projects play a leading role in an ● Four Canadian Interact clubs joined
Interact club’s success. While your Interact forces to help the Rotary Club of
club is free to generate its own ideas for Singapore in its effort to assist people in
projects, you can also adapt ideas that have Cambodia who have chronic eyesight
proved successful for other clubs, such as problems. The Interactors collected
the examples that are presented below. See nearly 500 pairs of eyeglasses and some
also Chapter 2 for ideas on project develop- small medical equipment that were
ment and Chapter 6 for a list of RI resources. shipped to the Rotarians in Singapore.
● An Interact club in Maharashtra, India,
Project Examples helped its sponsoring Rotary club hold
its annual sports meet for mentally
● Interactors in New Jersey, USA, con-
disabled students. The meet, which
ducted a bicycle collection in coopera-
attracted more than 200 students,
tion with Pedals for Progress, Inc., a
included races and games, with prizes
charitable organization that recycles
awarded. Interactors assisted by register-
bicycles and distributes them to working
ing participants, organizing events, and
adults in developing countries. The one-
distributing snacks and drinks.
day collection netted a total of 71 bikes,
which were dismantled and shipped ● Students and faculty at a school in Seria,
abroad. Brunei, learned about CPR, the Heimlich
maneuver, bandaging techniques, and
other aspects of emergency medical
treatment as part of a first-aid education
program organized by Interactors. The
program included a talk by a member of
the Red Cross, whom the Interact club
invited to raise awareness of life-saving
techniques.
● When a community in Latina, Italy,
took action to discourage an increasing
amount of drug and alcohol abuse by
teenagers, Interactors stepped in to do
their part. The source of the problem
was identified as a lack of alternative
forms of recreation, so the Interactors,
in partnership with their sponsoring
Rotary club, proposed the building of
an “after school” library. The Interactors

Interact Handbook 17
 ● Needy families in the vicinity of Juti,
Brazil, received recycled clothing
collected by the Interact club there.
The Interactors collected 1,500 pieces of
old clothing, repaired the garments by
sewing, dyeing, and adding zippers,
then distributed the goods to more than
300 families.
● Some 48 hours of labor by 40 Interactors
in South Africa resulted in the world’s
longest piece of spaghetti, a healthy
donation of money for the Nelson
Mandela Children’s Fund, and consider-
able community support and media
coverage. The Interactors received all of
the goods necessary through donations
from the community, and after the mile-
long spaghetti was created, it was
donated to various local shelters.

and Rotarians donated books, a com-

puter with Internet access and CD-ROM,
videos, and furniture.
● A benefit concert organized by
Interactors in Modling, Austria, helped
to raise money for a new heating system
in a local orphanage. The concert featured
classical and modern music, as well as a
poetry reading.
● Helping to spare the environment from
the effects of discarded batteries,
Interactors in Ayacucho, Argentina,
collected used batteries and sealed them
in tubes of cement. The project inspired
other similar environmental efforts in
other parts of the country.

18 Interact Handbook
5
Rotary
International
and Interact
Basic Policies and ● Each Interact club must have a Rotarian
advisor who is a member of the sponsor-
Procedures of Interact ing club. This resource person must attend
The following are the basic policies and Interact club and board meetings and
procedures that govern the Interact program provide advice on organizing service
as approved by the RI Board of Directors. projects, fund-raising activities, and club
Both Rotarians and Interactors should be administration. The Rotarian advisor
familiar with this material, as well as with also acts as a liaison between the Interact
the more detailed information included in club and the sponsoring Rotary club.
the Statement of Policy Relating to Interact ● An Interact club can be school-based or
(Appendix A) and the Standard Interact community-based. A community-based
Club Constitution and By-Laws (Appendi- Interact club may draw members from
ces B and C). several different schools within the
● Each Interact club must carry out two territorial limits of the sponsoring Rotary
service projects a year — one that benefits club. The Rotarian advisor must attend
the school or community and one that every meeting of a community-based
furthers international understanding. club. A school-based club is subject to the
Although Rotarians provide guidance on policies and regulations governing all
these projects, the Interactors are respon- other organizations of that particular
sible for planning, financing, organizing, school. In most instances, a faculty
and carrying out their own program of advisor — who may or may not be a
activities. Rotarian — is appointed to work with
the Interactors. In the case of a school-
based club with a faculty advisor, the
Rotarian advisor is only required to
attend the Interact club’s board meet-
ings.
● A minimum of 15 members is recom-
mended for an Interact club.
● The Interact constitution requires clubs
to meet at least twice a month. To remain
eligible for membership, Interactors
must attend 60 percent or more of the
regular meetings.
● Interact clubs are self-supporting
organizations that require little or no
financial input from the sponsoring club.
● Each Interact club must elect a new slate

Interact Handbook 19
 of officers and directors annually; the RI Secretariat and Interact
names and addresses of these individuals
must be reported to the district Interact The RI Secretariat is made up of the RI
committee by the sponsoring Rotary club. World Headquarters in Evanston, Illinois,
● If there are five or more Interact clubs in USA, and its eight Service Centers in
the district, a district Interact organiza- Argentina, Australia, Brazil, India, Japan,
tion may be formed, and the Interactors Korea, the Philippines, and Switzerland. RI
may elect a district Interact representa- staff are committed to providing excellent
tive (DIR). service in administering the Interact
program worldwide. Addresses and phone/
● Dues, if any, should be minimal; money fax numbers for RI Secretariat offices can be
for projects and activities should be found in Appendix Q.
raised through club activities.
● Each Interact club must submit an Communication
Interact Incoming Officer Data Form Good communication between RI, Interact
(Appendix K) and an Interact Project clubs, and their sponsoring Rotary clubs is
Data Form (Appendix L) to RI annually. key to the health and growth of this impor-
● Two Rotary clubs may jointly sponsor tant program. To facilitate this, mailings are
an Interact club with the approval of the sent each year from RI World Headquarters
district governor. A substantial percent- providing Interact program updates,
age of the Interactors must be drawn information on new publications, and
from within the territorial limits of each announcements about special activities
sponsoring club, and a joint Interact such as World Interact Week to all district
committee must be established and Interact chairpersons, Interact clubs, and
include representatives of both clubs. sponsoring Rotary clubs.
● A Rotary club may sponsor more than
one Interact club, provided each club RI President’s Theme
draws its members from within the Each year the new RI president introduces
sponsoring club’s territorial limits and a special theme that aims to unite the service
has its own five-member Interact com- projects of your Interact club and sponsor-
mittee of Rotarians. ing Rotary club with those of Interact and
Rotary clubs around the world. Through
● An Interact club is not allowed to merge this theme, the president invites Interact
with any other organization. clubs to take part in a global effort to
improve world understanding and peace.

RI Interact Committee
At the discretion of the RI president, an
international committee is often appointed
to serve in an advisory capacity to the RI
Board of Directors regarding the Interact
program. Interactors and Rotarians who
wish to make proposals to the Board
regarding the Interact program should
work through the RI Interact Committee.

Interact Club Certification

and Registration
The RI Secretariat acts as an administrative
center for Interact clubs. Each new Interact
club is required to submit an Interact Club
Organization List (Appendix F) to the office
of the RI Service Center serving its area.
This information becomes part of a data-
base of officially organized Interact clubs
maintained at RI World Headquarters,

20 Interact Handbook
 World Interact Week
During the week in which 28 October falls,
Interact clubs and their sponsors join in a
worldwide celebration of Interact. World
Interact Week coincides with the date that
the first Interact club was officially certified
by Rotary International in 1962. In celebra-
tion of this week, Interact clubs are invited
to join with their Rotary club sponsors to
carry out partner activities and promote the
positive effects Interact clubs have on their
communities.

International Convention
making it possible to promote international Interactors are invited and encouraged to
and regional communication among participate in the four-day RI Convention
Interact clubs. An official charter certificate held each year in a different part of the
is then sent to the president of the sponsor- world. Interactors can take part in special
ing Rotary club for presentation to the forums, idea-exchange assemblies, the
Interactors. projects exhibition, and plenary sessions.
Participation in the RI Convention gives
Each year, Interact clubs are required to Interactors a broader understanding of
provide updated address information to RI Rotary, its internationality, and its service
World Headquarters to ensure the records to the world. The convention can provide
are accurate. Please use the Interact Incom- Interactors with a better sense of how
ing Officer Data Form (Appendix K). Interact fits into the Rotary family.

The Rotary International Calendar

JULY FEBRUARY
Literacy Month World Understanding Month
1 July, Beginning of Rotary Year Second week of February, Family Week
23 February, Rotary’s Anniversary and
AUGUST World Understanding and Peace Day
Membership Extension Month
MARCH
SEPTEMBER No official RI designation
New Generations Month
APRIL
OCTOBER Magazine Month
Vocational Service Month
Week of 28 October, World Interact Week MAY
1 May, Deadline for submission of Incoming
NOVEMBER Officer Data Form
The Rotary Foundation Month
JUNE
DECEMBER RI Convention
No official RI designation 30 June, End of Rotary year

JANUARY
Rotary Awareness Month

Interact Handbook 21
22 Interact Handbook
6
Resources

One of the primary goals of Interact clubs Database, write to the Programs Depart-
is to provide service both locally and ment at RI World Headquarters specifying
internationally. Rotary International and what types of project examples you are
The Rotary Foundation have a variety of interested in receiving.
programs, activities, and emphases to
support the efforts of both Rotary and AIDS
Interact clubs in developing their service
projects. The following section details The RI Board encourages clubs to work
Rotary International and Rotary Foundation with governmental health agencies and
programs, activities, and emphases and non-governmental organizations to in-
explains how your Interact club can obtain crease awareness among their membership
additional information. Publications listed and the broader community about AIDS
as resources below can be ordered from the education and prevention. Rotary clubs
latest RI Catalog (019-EN), or by completing have been asked by the Board to use
the Publication Order Form (Appendix O) United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS
and sending it RI World Headquarters or to (UNAIDS) materials in expanding collabo-
the Service Center for your area. rative activities with Interactors and
Rotaractors. Interactors can be key leaders
Resources of Rotary in enhancing AIDS awareness among their
peers, while taking into account cultural
International and community sensitivities.
The RI Programs Department acts as a
For more information, consult the RI
clearinghouse for information on club
publication Rotary Responds to AIDS
and district service activities worldwide.
(604-EN).
Through its program publications and
Projects Database, Programs staff can help
Interactors develop effective service projects Children at Risk
by sharing the experience and knowledge Many of the world’s children face a variety
of others from around the world. of daunting challenges in their lives.
The Projects Database contains several Poverty, hunger, homelessness, illiteracy,
hundred project models and ideas along violence, drugs, and a lack of recreational
with project contact information and facilities all threaten this most vulnerable
resource organizations, providing concise segment of the world’s population.
information on Community, Vocational, Interactors are encouraged to contribute to
and International Service projects. Rotarians this emphasis of RI by thinking of creative
and Interactors are encouraged to submit ways to assist at-risk children.
their projects for possible inclusion so that
others might benefit from their experience.
To obtain information from the Projects

Interact Handbook 23
 Concern for the Aging ill effects is hunger. RI encourages Rotary
and Interact clubs to undertake projects to
As people’s life expectancy expands, alleviate starvation, substantially reduce
concern for the aging is a growing need malnutrition and mortality, tangibly reduce
in many communities. This Community chronic hunger, and eliminate major dis-
Service activity is designed to encourage eases resulting from inadequate nutrition.
Rotary and Interact clubs to undertake
projects that respond to the social, physical, Consult Combating Hunger and Poverty
vocational, and educational needs of senior Through Rotary (307-EN) for further
citizens. These projects incorporate senior information.
citizens into community activities and help
break down generational barriers. Literacy and Numeracy
For more information, consult the RI RI’s Literacy and Numeracy program
publication Learning from Experience: A addresses the critical need of teaching
Handbook for Working with Seniors (621-EN). functional literacy and basic math skills.
Rotary and Interact clubs are asked to
Conflict Resolution examine community literacy and numeracy
needs and develop appropriate projects
Because of such problems as crime, gang such as adult literacy classes or reading
violence, and ethnic or religious conflict, programs for children.
peace can be elusive in many communities
throughout the world. Rotarians address For more information, consult the RI
the need for conflict resolution in a number publication, Rotary Promotes Literacy
of ways. As young leaders, Interactors can (601-EN).
have an effect on peace in their own commu-
nities by helping to deter other young Preserve Planet Earth
people from choosing a life of violence or
crime. The Preserve Planet Earth program seeks to
address rising concerns over the state of the
For more information, consult the RI environment. Interact and Rotary clubs can
publication Building Peace in the Community: help to increase ecological and environmen-
A Role for Rotarians (377-EN). tal awareness in their homes, communities,
and throughout the world. Whenever
Drug and Alcohol Abuse possible, clubs should try to incorporate
Prevention environmental protection components into
all ongoing community and international
Through its focus on drug and alcohol service projects.
abuse prevention, RI is drawing attention
to a problem of global proportions. Rotary For further information, consult the
and Interact clubs are encouraged to Preserve Planet Earth Handbook
undertake service projects that help reduce (378-EN).
substance abuse in the community particu-
larly through educational programs on the Rotaract
dangers of drug and alcohol abuse. Given
Rotaract is a Rotary-sponsored service and
the importance of addressing this problem
social organization for young men and
as early as possible, Interactors are in an
women ages 18 to 30. Rotaractors carry
ideal position both to influence younger
out a wide range of service projects in their
children and their peers with respect to
community and also work alongside their
this issue.
sponsoring Rotary clubs on joint projects.
For more information, consult the RI Graduating Interactors are encouraged to
publication Combating Substance Abuse explore Rotaract opportunities in the
(627-EN). community.

For more information, consult the Rotaract

Hunger Alleviation Handbook (562-EN) or your district Rotaract
Poverty is on the rise and one of its chief chairperson.

24 Interact Handbook
Rotary Youth Leadership Awards Youth Exchange
(RYLA) The Youth Exchange program
Organized at the Rotary club, district, or sends students of secondary-school age to
multidistrict level, RYLA seminars focus on engage in study or travel abroad for up to
topics of interest to students and young one academic year in order to advance
professionals. Participants exchange ideas, international understanding and goodwill.
explore career paths, learn more about Youth Exchange students between the ages
Rotary, gain insights for organizing youth of 15 and 19 live with a host family and
and community service projects, and experience firsthand life, culture, and
discuss approaches for resolving family, education in another country. Sponsored by
social, and professional problems. sending and receiving Rotary clubs or
districts, the exchangees are selected
Those Interactors interested in learning according to guidelines and procedures
more about RYLA activities should contact suggested by the RI Board.
their sponsoring Rotary club or district
RYLA chairperson or consult the RI publi- For more information, consult the Youth
cation Rotary Youth Leadership Awards Exchange Handbook (746-EN) or your district
Guidelines (694-EN). Youth Exchange chairperson.

World Community
Service (WCS)
Interact publications
The purpose of the World Community Ser-
vice program is to encourage international Rotary International offers a range of
cooperation, carry out projects to improve publications and supplies that can contrib-
living standards and satisfy basic needs, ute to a successful Interact program.
and increase international understanding ✓ Serious Fun brochure (600-EN) — Colorful
and goodwill through professional, techni- leaflet that describes Interact to new and
cal, and material assistance. A World Com- prospective members.
munity Service project is one in which two
✓ “Serious Fun” video (650-EN) — Lively
clubs from different countries join forces to
video showing Interact in action; ideal for
address a community need by providing
promoting Interact among Rotarians and
international funding, volunteer assistance,
prospective Interactors.
or material support. The World Community
Service Projects Exchange (754-EN) lists ✓ Standard Interact Club Constitution and
projects that need international Rotary and By-laws (656-EN) *
Interact club partners. Interact clubs may ✓ Statement of Policy Relating to Interact
also list projects that need support in the (653-EN) *
WCS Projects Exchange with the endorse-
✓ Interact Poster (639-MU) — Colorful
ment of the sponsoring Rotary club.
poster that promotes the Interact program.
Another WCS resource is the Donations-in- ✓ Interact Club Organization List (648-
kind Information Network (DIN), a data- EN) — To be submitted to RI after a new
base listing goods and services donated by Interact club has been established. *
Rotarians and Interactors for use in WCS
projects. The availability of these goods is ✓ Interact Identification Cards (659-EN)
advertised in a quarterly bulletin distrib- * Denotes that a sample is included in this
uted to all district governors and district handbook.
WCS chairpersons.

For more information and registration

forms for this program, consult the World
Community Service Handbook: A Guide to
Action (742-EN).

Interact Handbook 25
 Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial
Scholarships
Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholar-
ships help to fund study in another country,
during which time scholars serve as good-
will ambassadors and make themselves
available to speak about their homeland.
Upon return, scholars give talks on their
international experiences with the aim of
increasing world understanding. Academic-
Year Ambassadorial Scholarships are
available for one year, Multi-Year Ambassa-
dorial Scholarships for two or three years.
In addition, there are Cultural Ambassado-
rial Scholarships for intensive language
training and cultural immersion in another
country for either three or six months.
Resources of (Children and grandchildren of Rotarians
The Rotary Foundation are not eligible for these scholarships.)
Through its humanitarian, educational, and To learn more about availability, eligibility,
cultural exchange programs, The Rotary and deadlines, consult the Rotary Foundation
Foundation provides financial assistance Ambassadorial Scholarships Leaflet (132-EN).
to international Rotary/Interact service
projects that aim to increase world under- Licensed Suppliers
standing and peace. The guidelines used in
judging applications for financial assistance Your sponsoring Rotary club can help you
require that projects involve two or more locate a manufacturer who provides
countries and subscribe to established licensed Interact merchandise such as pins
criteria set by The Rotary Foundation and banners. A list of vendors is published
Trustees. In addition, funding is available in the RI Official Directory.
for international scholarships.

PolioPlus
PolioPlus is Rotary’s massive effort to
eradicate the polio virus and achieve
certification of a polio-free world by 2005.
Interactors are encouraged to join the
hundreds of thousands of volunteers at the
local level who are providing support at
clinics or mobilizing their communities for
immunization or other polio-eradication
activities, and all clubs, even those in
countries without PolioPlus efforts, may
help by raising money.
For more information, consult the PolioPlus
brochure (323-EN) or your district governor.

26 Interact Handbook
7
Appendices
A. Statement of Policy Relating to Interact
B. Standard Interact Club Constitution
C. Standard Interact Club By-laws
D. Specifications for Interact Emblem
E. Interact Membership Application Form
F. Interact Club Organization List
G. Interact Club Attendance Record
H. Interact Club Dues Payment Record
I. Interact Membership Activities Record
J. Interact Club Committee Appointment Worksheet
K. Interact Incoming Officer Data Form
L. Interact Project Data Form
M. Sample Agenda — Leadership Training Program
for Interact Club Leaders
N. District Interact Representative Form
O. Sample Certificate of Recognition for Interactors
P. RI Order Form
Q. RI Service Centers and Regional Offices of the RI Secretariat

Interact Handbook 27
 Appendix A

Statement of Policy Relating to Interact

by Board of Directors of Rotary International

1. The Interact program was developed and created by and is an activity of Rotary International, and the
authority for the establishment and enforcement of constitutional provisions, organizational require-
ments and standards of procedure, and for the protection and preservation of the Interact name and
emblem is retained by Rotary International.
2. An Interact club is a Rotary club-sponsored organization of young people whose purpose is to provide
opportunity for them to work together in a world fellowship dedicated to service and international
understanding.
3. The Interact program was originally established as a program for boys only. It still retains a primary
emphasis on training in leadership and citizenship. Should local circumstances indicate to the sponsor-
ing Rotary club that good cause would be served by the establishment of an Interact club for girls
only or a club of mixed membership, the sponsoring Rotary club is at liberty to use its discretion
accordingly.
4. An Interact club is organized, sponsored and supervised by a Rotary club or clubs and is established
following the endorsement of the district governor upon certification and recognition by Rotary
International; it can be created and sustained in no other way, and its continued existence depends
upon the continued sponsorship of its sponsoring Rotary club and continued recognition by Rotary
International.
5. Within the framework established by Rotary International, the sponsoring Rotary club is responsible for
organizing the Interact club and for providing it with guidance and counsel thereafter and has complete
control and supervision over all activities, policies, and programs of the Interact club.
6. Where the Interact club is school-connected, control and supervision by the sponsoring Rotary club shall
be exercised in full cooperation with the school authorities, with the understanding that such clubs are
subject to the same regulations and policies established by the school authorities for all student organiza-
tions and extracurricular activities of the school.
7. All Interact club activities, projects, and programs shall at all times be conducted in harmony with the
policies of Rotary International; continued sponsorship of an Interact club by a Rotary club and
recognition of it by RI are contingent thereon.
8. There shall be a “Standard Interact Club Constitution” prescribed by Rotary International and subject to
amendment only by the Board of Directors of Rotary International. As a prerequisite of its organization
and certification, each Interact club shall adopt the “Standard Interact Club Constitution” and shall auto-
matically adopt all amendments thereto subsequently made by the Board of Directors of Rotary International.
9. Each Interact club shall adopt by-laws not inconsistent with the “Standard Interact Club Constitution” and
with policy established by Rotary International. Such by-laws shall be subject to the approval of the spon-
soring Rotary club.
10. Each Interact club shall be sponsored by the Rotary club whose territorial limits embrace the area of resi-
dence of the school(s) from which the Interact members are drawn, unless written authority is granted by
the Board of Directors of Rotary International to organize an Interact club outside the territorial limits of
the sponsoring Rotary club.
11. An Interact club may be organized and sponsored jointly by more than one Rotary club under the
following conditions:
a) The district governor must give approval, stating in writing that, in his or her considered judgment,
the best interests of the district, the Rotary clubs concerned and the Interact program would be served
by the proposed joint sponsorship.

A-1 29
 b) A substantial percentage of the members of the proposed Interact club must be drawn from within the
territorial limits of each sponsoring Rotary club.
c) The circumstances must be such that the organization of separate Interact clubs, each sponsored by a
single Rotary club, would create or result in an artificial division of what is essentially a single body of
students within the school or community.
d) A joint Interact committee must be created with effective representation from each of the sponsoring
Rotary clubs.
12. Each member of an Interact club, by his or her acceptance of membership, agrees to accept and to
adhere to the provisions of the constitution and by-laws of his or her Interact club.
13 Membership in an Interact club shall be evidenced by Interact membership identification cards supplied
to Interact clubs through sponsoring Rotary clubs by Rotary International.
14. The Interact name and emblem, as used in or applied to the Interact program, are the property of Rotary
International and shall be preserved for the exclusive use of those involved in the Interact program,
including duly established Interact clubs and their members in good standing.
15. An Interact club member shall be entitled to use and display the Interact name and emblem in an
appropriate and dignified manner during the period of membership in an Interact club and he or she shall
relinquish such entitlement upon termination of his or her membership in the Interact club or upon the
termination of the Interact club itself.
16. An Interact club may be terminated (a) by Rotary International, with or without the consent, approval or
concurrence of the sponsoring Rotary club, for failure to function in accordance with its constitution or for
other cause, (b) by its sponsoring Rotary club, or (c) by the Interact club itself upon its own determination.
17. Upon termination of an Interact club, all rights and privileges relating to the name and emblem shall be
relinquished by the club and by its members individually and collectively.
18. As a matter of policy, the Board does not recognize the right of any individual or organization except RI to
circularize Interact clubs for any commercial or other purpose.
19. District governors are requested to appoint district Interact committees, composed of Rotarians from vari-
ous parts of the district, to assist the district governor in publicizing the Interact program, promoting the
organization of new Interact clubs, and administering the program of Interact within the district. Where
feasible and practicable in the appointment of district Interact committees, there should be provision for
continuity of membership by appointing one or more members for a second term. Rotary district Interact
committees in carrying out their duties might benefit from consultation with members of Interact clubs.
20. Interact organization and meetings beyond the club level.
a) If, within a district of Rotary International, there are five or more Interact clubs, an Interact district may
be established, the boundaries of the district to be coterminous with the Rotary International district
embracing the respective sponsoring Rotary clubs. The clubs in such Interact district may elect an Inter-
act representative from among their membership. The method of election shall be determined by the
district Interact committee. The district Interact representative will be guided and counseled by the
Rotary district governor and the Rotary district Interact committee, or other appropriate Rotary district
committee, and shall assist the district committee in arranging districtwide meetings and, where pos-
sible, shall preside at such meetings, shall give counsel to and provide encouragement and inspiration
to the Interact clubs of the district, particularly with respect to broadening and deepening the program
of Interact within the district, and shall help focus their attention on the worldwide extent of Interact
and the potential and achievements of the program in behalf of international understanding.

30 A-2
 b) If an Interact district has been established, there may be, with approval of the district governor, a dis-
trict organization which will provide, in addition to the district representative, for a district secretary
and two or more zone representatives, each responsible for a certain number of clubs and such other re-
sponsibilities as may be assigned by the district representative.
c) Within a district of Rotary International, any two or more Interact clubs conveniently located with
respect to each other are encouraged to hold meetings with representatives from each club, with the
advice, guidance and presence of one or more members of the district Interact committee, in order
to increase friendship, exchange ideas, gain inspiration, and strengthen, broaden and deepen the
program of Interact within the district. When distances permit, such meetings may be held on a
districtwide basis, under the guidance of the district Interact committee, with one or more members
of this committee present.
d) The purpose of a districtwide Interact meeting is to provide encouragement, enlightenment, and in-
spiration to the Interact clubs with respect to school and Community Service and to focus attention
on the worldwide potential and achievements of Interact in behalf of international understanding.
e) No meeting of members of Interact clubs beyond the club level shall have any legislative authority
nor shall be so organized or conducted as to give the appearance of having such authority. Never-
theless, such a meeting may include the opportunity for expression of ideas which might be of
value as advisory observations to those who are involved at the district or other levels with the ad-
ministration of Interact.
f) All Interact district activities shall be financed by the Interact clubs in the district. No expenses of
district Interact meetings or Interact district representatives shall be paid by Rotary International.
The cost of such meetings shall be minimal and within the financial means of those participating.
21. Meetings of Interact club members from more than one district, particularly from districts in more than
one country, are recommended and encouraged wherever feasible, such meetings to be held under the
guidance of the host Rotary district governor and the Interact committee, with one or more members
of the committee present and in conjunction with the host Interact district representative and Interact
presidents, and subject to the approval of the Board of Directors of RI. Requests to the Board of Direc-
tors of RI for holding multidistrict meetings of Interact clubs must be accompanied by:
a) Information including the date, location, purpose, program and participants of the proposed meet-
ing;
b) A copy of the anticipated budget for the meeting with assurance that the sponsors are in a position
to and will assume complete responsibility for contractual and financial obligations inherent in the
meeting;
c) Proof of adequate liability insurance covering the event;
d) Assurance that the planning and implementation of the proposed meeting will be carried out under
the direct supervision of Rotarians;
e) A statement from the Director or immediate past director of RI resident in the area in which the
meeting is to be held that he approves the plan for holding such meeting.
22. Financing the cost of the Interact program.
a) No part of the expenses of Interact district representatives or meetings of Interact clubs or groups of
Interact clubs shall be paid by Rotary International.
b) Costs involved in arranging any meetings of Interact clubs or groups of Interact clubs should be
kept as low as possible consistent with effective meetings and a meaningful program.
c) It is the responsibility of the Interact club to raise the funds necessary to carry out the program of the
club.

A-3 31
 d) Rotary clubs sponsoring Interact clubs should not contribute more than occasional or incidental finan-
cial assistance to such Interact clubs.
e) Interact clubs should not make general solicitations for financial assistance from Rotary clubs or from
other Interact clubs.
f) Interact clubs should not solicit financial assistance from individuals, businesses or organizations in
their respective communities without giving something of value in return.
g) Any dues or assessments on the membership of any Interact club should be nominal and should be
only for the purpose of covering the cost of administering the club; funds for activities and projects
undertaken by Interact clubs should be raised by such clubs apart from such dues or assessments.
h) Rotary clubs and Rotary district conferences inviting members of Interact clubs to participate in the
programs of such clubs and conferences should subscribe to sufficient trip accident and liability in-
surance to protect the Rotary club or district conference against any possible legal or moral obliga-
tion and liability.
23. As a matter of principle, Interact clubs are not authorized to assume membership or merge with other
organizations regardless of the purpose of such organizations.

653-EN—(699)

32 A-4
 Appendix B

Standard Interact Club Constitution

ARTICLE I — Name

The name of this organization shall be the Interact Club of

ARTICLE II — Purpose and Goals

The purpose of Interact is to provide opportunity for young people to work together in a world fellowship
dedicated to service and international understanding.

The goals of Interact are:

1. To recognize and develop constructive leadership and personal integrity.

2. To encourage and practice thoughtfulness of and helpfulness to others.
3. To create an awareness of the importance of home and family.
4. To build respect for the rights of others, based on recognition of the worth of each individual.
5. To emphasize acceptance of individual responsibility as the basis of personal success, community
improvement, and group achievement.
6. To recognize the dignity and value of all useful occupations as opportunities to serve society.
7. To provide opportunities for gaining increased knowledge and understanding of community, national,
and world affairs.
8. To open avenues of personal and group action leading to the advancement of international understanding
and goodwill toward all peoples.
ARTICLE III — Sponsorship

1. The sponsor of this Interact club is the Rotary Club of which, through a committee
of not less than five Rotarians, shall exercise supervision and control over all activities, programs and poli-
cies of this Interact club. The continued existence of this Interact club shall depend upon the continued
active personal participation of the sponsoring Rotary club. In the case of a club composed of young
women only, the committee shall also include one or more responsible women as ex officio members.
2. This club is not a part of, and neither this club nor its members have any rights or privileges with respect
to, the sponsoring Rotary club.
ARTICLE IV — Membership

1. To be eligible for membership a person must possess good character and leadership potential and (a) in a
school-based club be a student at the secondary-school or pre-university level, or be age 14 to 18; (b) in a
community-based club be a young person between the ages of 14 and 18.
2. The membership of this club may be all male, all female, or both male and female in any ratio, at the
discretion of the sponsoring club.
3. The method of electing members of this club shall be determined by the sponsoring Rotary club in consul-
tation with the Interact club. The method of electing new members of a school-connected club shall have
the approval of the school authorities.
4. Each member of this club shall attend at least 60% of this club’s regularly scheduled meetings.

B-1 33
5. Membership shall automatically terminate (a) upon removal from the community; (b) in a school-based
club upon graduation or otherwise ceasing to be a student in the last four years of school preceding the
university level in the area from which the membership is drawn or in a community-based club, not in
connection with a school, upon graduation or upon reaching the age of eighteen; (c) by termination of the
club; or (d) by failure to meet attendance requirements unless excused by the board of directors of this
club for good and sufficient reason.
6. Membership may be terminated for cause as determined by this club by vote of not less than 2/3 of all the
members in good standing.

ARTICLE V — Meetings

1. The club shall meet not less than twice per month, as provided in the by-laws, at a time and place suited to
the convenience of the members, with due regard for their school obligations.
2. The board of directors shall meet as provided in the by-laws. In a community-based club, no meeting of
the club or of the board shall be deemed official unless a member of the Interact committee of the sponsor-
ing Rotary club is in attendance. In a school-based club, no meeting of the board shall be deemed official
unless a member of the Interact committee of the sponsoring Rotary club is in attendance.
3. Meetings of the club and of the board of directors may be cancelled during holiday or vacation periods at
the discretion of the board of directors, with the approval of the sponsoring Rotary club.

ARTICLE VI — Officers and Directors

1. The officers of this club shall be a president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer, and such additional
officer(s) as may be provided in the by-laws.
2. The governing body of this club shall be a board of directors composed of the president, vice-president,
secretary, treasurer and additional directors whose number shall be determined by this club with the ap-
proval of the sponsoring Rotary club, all to be elected from among the members in good standing. All
decisions, policies and actions of the board and of the club shall be subject to the authority of the sponsor-
ing Rotary club, the provisions of this constitution, and policy established by Rotary International.
If school-connected, this club shall be subject to the same regulations and policies established by the
school authorities for all student organizations and extracurricular activities of the school.
The board of directors shall have general control over all officers and committees and may, for good cause,
declare any office vacant. It shall constitute a board of appeals from the rulings of all officers and actions
of all committees.
3. Elections of officers and directors shall be by methods compatible with local customs and procedures, but
in no case shall more than a simple majority of the members present and in good standing be required
for election.
The term of office of all officers and directors shall be one year, unless a shorter term is provided in the by-
laws. No provision shall be made for a term of office shorter than one year except with the written permis-
sion of Rotary International.

ARTICLE VII — Activities and Projects

1. Within the limits prescribed in section 1 of Article III, this club shall be responsible for planning, organiz-
ing, financing and conducting its own activities and shall itself supply the money, manpower and creative
imagination necessary thereto, except that in the case of joint projects or activities undertaken in coopera-
tion with other organizations, such responsibility shall be shared with such other organization(s).
2. The club shall undertake among its activities at least two major projects annually, one designed to serve
the school or community, the other to promote international understanding, and each shall involve all or
most of the members of the club.

34 B-2
3. The aim of international service in 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. The
aim of community and school service is to encourage and foster the application of the ideal of service by
each Interact club member to his or her personal, community and school life.
4. It is the responsibility of the club to raise the funds necessary to carry out its program. It shall not solicit or
accept more than occasional or incidental financial assistance from its sponsoring Rotary club, nor shall it
make general solicitations from Rotary clubs other than its sponsoring Rotary club or from other Interact
clubs, nor shall it solicit financial assistance from individuals, businesses or organizations in the commu-
nity without giving something of value in return.

ARTICLE VIII — Committees

1. There shall be provided in the by-laws of this club the following standing committees: international
understanding, service, finance, club, and such other standing committees as may be deemed necessary
or convenient for the administration of the club.
2. The president, with the approval of the board, may appoint such special committees as he or she may
deem necessary, citing their duties at the time of appointment. All such special committees shall lapse
upon the completion of their duties, upon discharge by the appointing president, or with the end of his or
her term of office, whichever occurs first.

ARTICLE IX — Fees and Dues

Any additional fees, dues or assessments on the membership of the club shall be nominal and shall only be for
the purpose of meeting the administrative costs of the club. Funds for activities and projects undertaken by
the club shall in general be raised apart from such fees, dues or assessments.

ARTICLE X — Acceptance of Constitution and By-Laws

Every member of this club, by his or her acceptance of membership and continuation thereof, thereby accepts
the principles of Interact as expressed in its purpose and goals and submits himself or herself to and agrees to
comply with and be bound by the constitution and by-laws of this club, and on these conditions alone is en-
titled to the privileges of the club. No member shall be absolved from the observance of the constitution and
by-laws on the plea that he or she has not received a copy of them.

ARTICLE XI — By-Laws

This club shall adopt the “Standard Interact Club By-Laws,” together with such amendments as are not incon-
sistent with this constitution and which may be deemed necessary or convenient for the government of the
club, provided that such amendments are adopted in accordance with the amendment procedure prescribed
in the “Standard Interact Club By-Laws.”

ARTICLE XII — Emblem

The emblem of Interact shall be preserved for the exclusive use and benefit of Interact members. Each member
of this club shall be entitled to wear or otherwise display the Interact emblem in a dignified and appropriate
manner during the period of his membership. He or she shall relinquish such entitlement upon termination of
his or her membership or termination of this club.

ARTICLE XIII — Duration

This Interact club shall exist so long as it continues to function in accordance with the provisions of this consti-
tution and policy relating to Interact established by Rotary International, or until it is terminated:

a) by this club upon its own determination and action;

B-3 35
 b) by the sponsoring Rotary club upon withdrawal of its sponsorship; or
c) by Rotary International for failure to function in accordance with this constitution or for other cause.
Upon termination of this club, all rights and privileges relating to the Interact name and emblem shall be relin-
quished by the club and by its members individually and collectively.

ARTICLE XIV — Amendments

This constitution may be amended only by action of the Board of Directors of Rotary International, and all
amendments to the “Standard Interact Club By-Laws” adopted by the Board of Directors of Rotary Interna-
tional shall automatically amend this constitution.

656-EN—(699)

36 B-4
 Appendix C

Standard Interact Club By-Laws

By-Laws of the Interact Club of

ARTICLE I — Elections

1. Election for the offices of president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer, and directors shall be held annu-
ally prior to . Those elected shall take office on .
(date) (date)
2. Nominations of officers shall be made either in writing or from the floor. Candidates shall be voted upon
at the regular meeting following the meeting at which nominations are made. Voting shall be by secret
ballot. Those candidates receiving a majority of the votes of the members present and in good standing
shall be elected.
3. In addition to the president, vice-president, secretary, and treasurer, there shall be elected directors.

ARTICLE II — Duties of Officers

1. President. The president shall preside at all regular and special meetings of the club and the board of direc-
tors. He or she shall, with the approval of the board, appoint all standing and special committees and, in
the event of a vacancy in the board of directors, shall, with the approval of the board, fill such vacancy
by appointment until the next regular election of the club. He or she shall be an ex officio member of all
committees.
2. Vice-President. The vice-president shall succeed to the office of president in the event of the removal of the
latter for whatever cause, and, in the absence of the president, shall preside at all meetings of the club and
of the board.
3. Secretary. The secretary shall maintain all club records. He or she shall keep minutes of all meetings of the
club and board of directors.
4. Treasurer. The treasurer shall have custody of all club funds, maintaining all necessary records, and depos-
iting all such funds in a bank approved by the board of directors. He or she shall make all disbursements
under procedures determined by the board of directors. He or she shall report the club’s financial status at
each meeting of the club, and shall hold all records available for inspection by any club member.
5. Board of Directors. The board of directors shall be the governing body of the club, as provided in the consti-
tution. It shall make an annual report to the club to apprise all members of the club’s operations. It shall
hold regularly scheduled meetings, not less than one a month, which shall be open to the attendance of
any club member in good standing. Members attending such meetings, however, shall not address the
meeting except with the permission of the board.

ARTICLE III — Meetings

1. Meetings of the club shall be held not less than twice per month and meetings of the board not less than
once a month, at a time and place suited to the convenience of the membership.
2. A majority of the members in good standing shall constitute a quorum at any regular or special meeting of
the club. Any four members of the board, one of whom must be the president or vice president, shall con-
stitute a quorum at any meeting of the board. No meeting of the club or of the board shall be deemed offi-
cial unless a member of the Interact committee of the sponsoring Rotary club is in attendance.

C-1 37
 ARTICLE IV — Fees and Dues

1. The admission fee for new members shall be . Annual dues shall be per member.
2. All fees and dues must be paid before a member will be considered in good standing.

ARTICLE V — Committees

1. The president, with the approval of the board of directors, shall appoint the following standing
committees:
A. International Understanding. This committee shall be charged with primary responsibility for devising
ways and means of engendering international understanding among the members, in the school and
community, and in all other areas. It shall have the duty of initiating and planning one major activity in
its field each year which shall involve all or most of the club membership.
B. Service. This committee shall have responsibility for devising at least one major service project annually,
other than international, which shall involve all or most of the membership.
C. Finance. This committee shall devise ways and means of financing any and all club activities requiring
funds, in cooperation with the appropriate committee.
D. Club. This committee shall be responsible for attendance, membership, programs, fellowship, public
relations and such other matters as may be deemed appropriate.
2. No committee shall take any action to carry out its plans until those plans have been approved by a major-
ity of the club membership.

ARTICLE VI — Amendments

1. These by-laws may be amended by majority vote of the members in good standing at any regular or spe-
cial meeting of the club at which a quorum is present, provided notice of intention to call such a vote is
given at least fourteen days earlier at a meeting of the club at which a quorum is present, and provided
such amendment is approved by the sponsoring Rotary club.
2. Nothing in these by-laws shall contravene any provision of this club’s constitution.

656-EN—(699)

38 C-4
 Appendix D

Specifications For Interact Emblem

The emblem of Interact is a round emblem with a vertical capital “I” superimposed over four interlock-
ing rings in the center depressed circular space. These elements are designed in accordance with the
proportions given in the table below. With the “I” standing vertically, the word “INTERACT” is centered
directly above and is contained within the exterior ring with a wall on each side. The word “CLUB” is
centered directly beneath the “I” and is contained within the exterior ring, with a wall on each side. This
lettering is raised from depressed space. The outside edge is a perfectly round, raised wall to contain all
the elements.

The proportions for the correct design are:

overall diameter ............................................. 53␣ units The Interact colors are royal blue and gold
height of “I” ................................................. 27.3 units and should be worked into the emblem as
diameter of rings ......................................... 18.1 units follows: All depressed spaces are royal
width of “I” at top and bottom .................. ␣ 7.2 units blue. All raised detail is gold.
width of center body of “I” ........................ ␣ 2.9 units
width of letters ............................................. ␣ 5.3 units
height of letters ............................................ ␣ 4.1 units

D-1 39
 Appendix E

Interact Membership Application Form

Name:

Address:

City/State/Province:

Country/Postal Code:

Telephone: Fax:

E-Mail:

Areas of Interest:

School Service
Community Service
International Service Development
Fund-Raising Service
Club Service
Other:

I understand and accept the principles of Intract as expressed in its purpose and objectives, and agree to
comply with and be bound by the “Standard Interact Club Constitution,” “Interact Statement of Policy,” and
by-laws of the club.

Signature:

Date:

Interact club secretary should retain this form for club records.

✃ E-1 41
649-EN—(699)
 Appendix F

Interact Club Organization List

District Number

Interact Club of

Mailing address of Interact club:

Telephone: Fax:

E-Mail:

Sponsoring Rotary club(s):

This list constitutes official notification to Rotary International of the organization of an Interact club.

1. Print or type the name of each charter member, including age, gender, and mailing address;
2. Obtain required signatures on the back page;
3. Keep a copy for the Interact club files, and send the original organization list to your district governor and
a copy to your district Interact chairperson;
4. Ask the district governor to sign the form, and send original to the RI Service Center serving your area
and a copy to your club. The district governor should send copies of the signed “Interact Club Organiza-
tion List” to the district Interact committee chairman and the district Interact representative.

Name Age Gender Address

(Pres.)

(Past Pres.)

(V.P.)

(Secy.)

(Treas.)

(Dir.)

(Dir.)

The RI Board recomments, but does not mandate, a minimum of 15 charter members.
All members must be between the ages of 14-18.

✃ F-1 43
Name Age Gender Address

What language do you prefer for receiving correspondence?

English French Japanese Korean Portuguese Spanish

The members listed above are all young adults of good character and leadership potential, between the ages
of 14 and 18, who live or study in the vicinity of the sponsoring Rotary club. None of them is eligible for
membership in a Rotaract club in this community. This club understands and accepts the provisions of the
“Standard Interact Club Constitution” and the “Interact Statement of Policy”.

Signatures:

President, Interact club Date of organization of Interact club

President, sponsoring Rotary club District Governor

648-EN—(699)

44 F-2 ✃
 Appendix G

Interact Club Attendance Record (26 Meetings)

NAME 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 REMARKS

P — indicates member present

A — indicates member absent

G-1 45
Appendix H

Interact Club Dues Payment Record (Monthly)

NAME 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 REMARKS

Pd. indicates dues paid

46 H-1
 Appendix I

Interact Club Membership Activities Record

COMMITTEE PROJECT PROGRAM SPECIAL

NAME ASSIGNMENT PARTICIPATION PARTICIPATION ASSIGNMENTS

Develop your own code to indicate various aspects of member participation.

Explain meaning of code here:

I-1 47
 Appendix J

Interact Club Committee Appointment

Worksheet

Standing Committees
International Understanding
Duties: To devise ways and means of engendering international understanding among the members, in
the school and community, and in all other areas. It shall initiate and plan one major activity in
its field each year which shall involve all or most of the membership.

Chairman: Member:
Member:

Service
Duties: To devise at least one major service project annually, other than international, which shall
involve all or most of the membership.

Chairman: Member:
Member:

Finance
Duties: To devise ways and means of financing any and all club activities requiring funds,
in cooperation with the appropriate committee.

Chairman: Member:
Member:

Club
Duties: To be responsible for attendance, membership, programs, fellowship, public relations and such
other matters as may be deemed appropriate.

Chairman: Member:
Member:

Additional Standing Committees

(as provided for in your club’s by-laws)
Committee:
Duties:

Chairman: Member:
Member:

J-1 49
Committee: ␣
Duties:

Chairman: Member:
Member:

Special Committees
(as determined by the president, with board approval)
Committee:
Duties:

Chairman: Member:
Member:

Committee:
Duties:

Chairman: Member:
Member:

Committee:
Duties:

Chairman: Member:
Member:

Committee:
Duties:

Chairman: Member:
Member:

50 J-2
 Appendix K

This form must be submitted annually by all Interact clubs by 1 May. Please mail completed forms to Rotary
International, Data Services (FI320), One Rotary Center, 1560 Sherman Avenue, Evanston, Illinois 60201, USA,
or FAX to (847) 328-8554.

Incoming Interact Officer Data Form

(Please print or type information)

Term of Office:
(month/year to month/year)

District Number:

Interact Club Name:

(As it appears on your Interact Certificate of Organization)

Interact Club President:

Interact Club Advisor:

PERMANENT INTERACT
CLUB MAILING ADDRESS:

City/State/Province:

Country/Postal Code:

Telephone: Fax:

E-mail address (one per club):

World Wide Web address:

Will this club participate in next year’s Interact Correspondence Exchange List? yes no

Type of Interact club (check one): school-based community-based

Number of members male(s) + female(s ) = (total)

Date of club organization (day/month/year):

Names of sponsoring Rotary club(s):

Rotary Club Name State/Province Country

Rotary Club Name State/Province Country

Please obtain the signature below before forwarding report to RI World Headquarters.

Signature of sponsoring Rotary club president Date (day/month/year)

✃
K-1 51
 Appendix L

Please return completed Interact Project Data forms to: Rotary International, Community Pro-
grams Section (CP210), One Rotary Center, 1560 Sherman Avenue, Evanston, Illinois 60201, USA,
or FAX to (847) 328-8554 or (847) 866-6116.

Interact Project Data Form

District Number:

Interact Club Name:

Project Contact Name:

Project Contact Address:

City/State/Province:

Country/Postal Code:

Telephone: Fax:

E-mail:

Name(s) of sponsoring
Rotary club(s):
Rotary Club Name State/Province Country

Rotary Club Name State/Province Country

Project Name:

Type of project (mark all that apply):

Youth (Y) Homeless (HOME)

Literacy (LIT) AIDS-related (AIDS)

Health (HTH) Environmental (ENV)

PolioPlus (PP) Assisting the elderly (AGE)

Disabled (DIS) Drug or alcohol abuse (DA)

Hunger (HUNG) Small business development (SBUS)

Vocational (VOC) Other:

Date the project began: Date completed:

Do you give RI permission to publicize this project in RI publications, on the Internet, and among
Rotarians with similar interests? yes no

Describe the project on reverse side of this sheet. Tell us about Interact involvement, any funds
raised, equipment purchased, activities developed specifically for the project, and if you
received any help from your sponsoring Rotary club or outside organizations. Please attach
additional sheets if needed.
✃

L-1 53
 Please clip photos showing the project in action
here. Be sure to include information about who is in
the photograph and what is happening in the
picture. Projects submitted with photos will be
considered for publication in RI promotional
materials.

54 L-2
 Appendix M

Sample Agenda — Leadership Training

Program for Interact Club Leaders

0800-0900 Registration

0900-0945 First plenary session — Announcements, introductions and

“ice-breakers”
Welcome remarks from district Interact representative, district Interact
chairperson and/or district governor: Overview of purpose and goals for
District Assembly

Presentation by district Interact representative and/or district Interact

chairperson: Report on status of Interact in the District

0945-1000 Break
1000-1200 Group Discussion Sessions — Each session begins with an opening
presentation addressing: administrative responsibilities of the office, effective
use of club resources, and service opportunities

Group I Interact Club Presidents and Vice-Presidents — Discuss:

planning and conducting effective meetings, selecting
committee chairs, delegating to committees, components of
successful Interact clubs

Group II Interact Club Secretaries and Treasurers — Discuss:

keeping adequate secretarial records, maintaining accurate
financial records, organizational skills, teamwork between the
secretary and treasurer
Group III Interact Club Directors — Discuss: role of the board of
directors within the Interact club, promoting teamwork

Group IV Interact Club Committee Chairs — Discuss: planning and

conducting effective committee meetings, motivating mem-
bers, creating activity reports

1200-1300 Lunch
1300-1400 Second Plenary Session — Speech by district Interact representative
and/or district Interact chairperson: “Interact Looks Ahead”— challenges of
the coming year, club and district goals, proposing challenges to each club to
undertake a new community and international service activity, incorporating
the RI annual theme, motivating Interact club members, goal setting

Question and answer session

1400-1530 Group Discussion Sessions

Group I International Understanding and Service — Discuss:
development of effective annual projects and activities
designed to promote international understanding, including
examples of successful past and current projects

Group II Community Service — Discuss: development of projects

aimed at serving the school or community, including
examples of successful past and current projects

M-1 55
 Group III Club Service — Discuss: specific duties of the club commit-
tee, sharing strategies for promoting attendance, developing
membership, creating meeting programs, and increasing
public relations

Group IV Finance — Discuss: specific duties of the finance committee,

sharing strategies for carrying out activities and providing
funding, generate ideas for fund-raising projects, include
examples of successful past and current projects
1530-1545 Break

1545-1630 Closing Plenary Session — Final announcements, thank-you’s, recap of

discussions. Provide a written survey to participants to facilitate feedback
on the effectiveness of the training program.

Speech by district Interact representative and/or district Interact chair:

“Youth Serving the World — inspiration and motivation for your year as
Interact club leaders”

Adjournment

56 M-2
 Appendix N

Please mail completed forms to: Rotary International, Community Programs Section (CP210),
One Rotary Center, 1560 Sherman Avenue, Evanston, Illinois 60201, USA, or FAX (847) 328-8554
or (847) 866-6116.

District Interact Representative Form

Please use this form to report your district’s Interact representative.
Districts containing five or more Interact clubs may form an Interact district organization. A
district Interact representative (Interact member) may be elected from among the membership of
all Interact clubs within the district. The district Interact representative assists the district Interact
chairman (Rotarian appointed by the district governor) to administer the district Interact pro-
gram. The district Interact representative works under the guidance of the district Interact
committee. Please consult Chapter 3 of the Interact Handbook for additional guidance in adminis-
tering a district Interact program.

District Number:

Name of district
Interact representative:

Address:

City/State/Province:

Country/Postal Code:

Telephone: Fax:

E-mail:

District representative’s
Interact club:

Sponsoring Rotary Club:

Term of Office:
(month/year to month/year)

✃ N-1 57
 Appendix O

Sample Interact Recognition Certificate

Interact Award of Merit

is here by awarded to

in recognition of outstanding service efforts

Signed Date

O-1 59
 Appendix P
Tel. (847) 866-4600
0800 – 1700 hours, Central Time (U.S.A.),
Monday – Friday
Fax (847) 866-3276
Order Form
(Please print clearly.)

Date Club Number

Name Club Office Held

Shipping Address City

State/Province Country Postal/Zip Code

The Rotary Club of District

Daytime Telephone Number Fax Number Name of Business

METHOD OF PAYMENT:
Remittance enclosed
To avoid duplicate billing, please
Bill my club
fax or mail this form, not both.
Bill me
Please charge my credit card* (US$10 minimum on all charges)
Prices of RI Catalog items
VISA MasterCard include the costs of shipping
and handling.
If paying by credit card, please fill out the following:

Name of cardholder

Signature (as shown on card)

Card Number Expiration date

(Month/Year)

Unit Cost (US$)

Title Catalog No. Language Quantity or Gratis Total (US$)

Subtotal

Total from other side

Prices are subject to change without notice.

Total Due
*Credit card charges may be made to the World Headquarters only.

✃ FORM MAY BE PHOTOCOPIED P-1 61

 Unit Cost (US$)
Title Catalog No. Language Quantity or Gratis Total (US$)

Subtotal

Send this form to the RI Service Center serving your club. If sending to World Headquarters, please use the
following address or fax number: RI Publications Order Services Section
Rotary International, 930 Pitner Avenue
Evanston, Illinois 60202, U.S.A.

FAX 847-866-3276 Do not send this form to the RI Lockbox.

337-EN—(1198)15M

62 P-2
 Appendix Q

RI Service Centers and Regional Offices of the RI Secretariat

World Headquarters South Asia Service Center
Rotary International Rotary International
One Rotary Center Sucheta Bhavan
1560 Sherman Avenue 11A Vishnu Digambar Marg
Evanston, IL 60201 USA New Delhi, India 110 002
Telephone: (847) 866-3000 Telephone: (91-11) 323-9416 to 9420
Fax: (847) 328-8554 Fax: (91-11) 323-6711 and 6712
(847) 328-8281 Cable: INTEROTARY —
NEW DELHI 110002
Brazil Service Center
Rotary International
Southeast Asia Service Center
Rua Tagipuru 209 Rotary International
01156-000 São Paulo, SP, Brazil Philcox Building, 3rd Floor
172 Salcedo St., Legaspi Village
Telephone: (55-11) 826-2966
Makati City, Philippines 1200
Fax: (55-11) 3667-6575
Telephone: (63-2) 810-7165
Europe/Africa Service Center Fax: (63-2) 817-1296
Rotary International
Witikonerstrasse 15
Southern South America
8032 Zurich, Switzerland Service Center
Telephone: (41-1) 387 71 11 Rotary International
Fax: (41-1) 422 50 41 Florida 1, P. 2
1005 Buenos Aires, C.F., Argentina
Japan Service Center Telephone: (54-11) 4342-2625
Rotary International (54-11) 4342-2735
c/o San Catherina Bldg. Fax: (54-11) 4331-4839
36-12 Shinjuku, 1-chome
Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan 160-0022 Southwest Pacific Service Center
Telephone: (81-3) 3355-5391 Rotary International
Fax: (81-3) 3226-4606 McNamara Centre, Level 2
100 George Street
Korea Service Center Parramatta NSW, Australia 2150

Rotary International Telephone: (61-2) 9635-3537

Room 705, Miwon Building Fax: (61-2) 9689-3169
43 Yoido-dong
Yongdungpo-gu, Seoul
Republic of Korea 150-010 Rotary International in Great Britain
and Ireland (RIBI)
Telephone: (82-2) 783-3077 Rotary International
(82-2) 783-3078 Kinwarton Road
Fax: (82-2) 783-3079 Alcester, Warwickshire
England B49 6BP
Telephone: (44-1789) 765411
Fax: (44-1789) 765570

Q-1 63
Rotary International
One Rotary Center
1560 Sherman Avenue
Evanston, IL 60201 USA

654-EN—(699)