Youth Programs

High School Programs

Interact Clubs

Interact is Rotary International’s service club for young people ages 14 to 18. Interact clubs are sponsored by individual Rotary clubs, which provide support and guidance, but they are self-governing and self-supporting.

Club membership varies greatly. Clubs can be single gender or mixed, large or small. They can draw from the student body of a single school or from two or more schools in the same community. Each year, Interact clubs complete at least two community service projects, one of which furthers international understanding and goodwill. Through these efforts, Interactors develop a network of friendships with local and overseas clubs and learn the importance of

Developing leadership skills and personal integrity
Demonstrating helpfulness and respect for others
Understanding the value of individual responsibility and hard work
Advancing international understanding and goodwill

As one of the most significant and fastest-growing programs of Rotary service, with more than 10,700 clubs in 109 countries and geographical areas, Interact has become a worldwide phenomenon. Almost 200,000 young people are involved in Interact.

For more information about starting an Interact Club, contact District Interact Chair, Renee Golf Renee@perilsin3d.com

Youth Leadership Conference

The next Rotary Youth Leadership Academy (RYLA) will be held March 19 - 21, 2010. The conference, held at Camp Tecumseh in the Lafayette area, is a weekend full of fun and leadership building skills, that frankly have kids coming back for more. Rotary clubs throughout the district sponsor students from their area to participate in this life changing weekend.

For more information about the enrollment process, contact District Chair, Jim Thompson at jthompson@gibraltardesign.com

See RYLA Story Below

Speech Contest

District 6560 host an annual speech contest for high school students. Prize money is offered for the top three speeches - $500 for first place, $250 for second and $100 for third. This year's theme for the speeches centers on Rotary's motto of Service Above Self. The competition will be held Saturday, March 6th on the Ball State campus.

There are a few rules of engagement; the speech, five to seven minutes in length, must be memorized and in order to participate at the District competition, you must win the competition hosted by your local Rotary Club.

Click here for more information, complete rules and the paperwork.

College Programs

Rotaract

Rotaract clubs are for men and women aged 18-30 that foster leadership and responsible citizenship, encourage high ethical standards in business and promote international understanding and peace.

A program of Rotary International, Rotaract clubs work under the guidance of their local Rotary club. The word Rotaract comes from a combination of the words “Rotary” and “action.” The first officially chartered Rotaract club was in North Charlotte, North Carolina, in 1968, today, there are an estimated 149,000 members in 6,447 Rotaract clubs in 154 countries and geographical regions. Clubs draw members from the community or are organized as an extra-curricular activity for college students.

Rotaractors should be of good standing and reputation in their communities.

Under the guidance of a Rotarian advisor, Rotaract clubs conduct formal meetings, usually every two weeks, which feature speakers, tours of local businesses, cultural activities, discussions, and visits to other clubs. Each year, Rotaract clubs conduct at least one service project in each of three areas of service: vocational, community and international. In addition to their service agenda, Rotaract clubs also focus on professional development, organizing career-related programs to assist members and peers outside the club in making

informed career choices.

For more information about Rotoract contact District Rotaract Chair, Dennis Wible. dmwible@comcast.net

Avon Students Attend RYLA Conference that Encourages Leadership

On March 19 Avon club member Pam Lyons delivered Interact members Krystyna Salary and Katie Wyatt to Camp Tecumseh in Brookston, IN for the RYLA weekend. The Rotary Youth Leadership Awards Conference, sponsored by District 6560, presents activities and speakers focused on decision-making, ethics, critical thinking, communicating effectively, team building, and public service.

Both girls were a bit anxious not knowing what to expect, but they were also anticipating good things. Last year’s RYLA participants Coleman Watson and Mary Stombaugh had encouraged them to apply and had shared their enthusiasm. In the end they were not disappointed. The 48 participants were divided into four teams to do team building activities, build friendships and experience total immersion into what it means to be a leader.

Salary said, “It was the best experience to be with a group of people who really accepted and liked each other almost immediately.” Wyatt agreed and added, “I also learned that being a leader is not just being elected to an office. It is being able to be a problem-solver and finding any way possible to carry out a solution.”

On Sunday’s trip home they both had experiences to share that they thought would be effective to use with the AHS Interact club as well. Their hope is to bring the lessons that they learned back to their high school and to encourage others to apply next year for this amazing weekend of fun-filled learning.

When Lyons asked them what the most fun activity was, they both enthusiastically agreed, “The salsa dancing was the best!”

"Leadership is not just being elected to an office. It is being able to be a problem solver and finding anyway possible to carry out a solution" - Katie Wyatt, Interact Member and RYLA Participant

Rotary District 6560