Rotary 101 - UM Interact Club

print this page

Upper Merion Interact Club

Interact is an international organization of service and social clubs for young people ages 12 to 18 that fosters leadership and responsible citizenship and promotes international understanding and peace. The name was created by combining the words "international" and "action." The Upper Merion Interact Club is sponsored by the Rotary Club of King of Prussia in cooperation with the Upper Merion Area School District, as a program of Rotary International. The Rotary Club provides guidance and inspiration, but the Interact Club is self-governing and self-supporting. The membership base of our Interact Club is of mixed gender, open to Interactors of all backgrounds, and is drawn from the student body of the Upper Merion Area High School and Middle School.

Each year, Interact clubs complete at least one community service project and at least one project that furthers international understanding and goodwill. Interactors develop a worldwide network of friendships through exchanges with local and overseas clubs. Interactors are eligible to be nominated and sponsored by KOP Rotary to attend RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards)

RYLA

Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is a leadership development program run by Rotary. While participants can be any age, most events focus on secondary school students, university students, or young professionals. RYLA events are typically 3–10 days long and include presentations, activities, and workshops that cover a variety of topics, including:

• Leadership fundamentals and ethics

• Communication skills

• Problem solving and conflict management

• Community and global citizenship

   

   Along the way, Interactors develop their leadership skills and initiative while meeting new friends. Through their service activities, Interactors 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

  The first Interact club was initiated in 1962 by the Rotary Club of Melbourne, Florida, USA. Two months later, the first Interact club outside the United States was established in Tanjore, India. Today there are more than 6,650 Interact clubs in some 103 countries and geographical areas, making Interact a truly worldwide phenomenon.

  For information about the Upper Merion Interact Club, contact Barbara McMullan (barbara.mcmullan@mcdal.com) Club Liaison.

  .

  Carolyn Craig: Upper Merion High School Interact Club

  Service Projects

  Upper Merion Blood Drive

  Philadelphia Aids Walk

  Canned Food Drive

  King of Prussia Rotary Auction

  Upper Merion Emergency Aid

  Multiple Sclerosis Walk