Avenues of Service - New Generations

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New Generations is all about investing in our youth becuase they represent our future. Rotarians take pride in the fact that we have youth programs for just about every age group with Rotarians serving as active, caring sponsors.

Interact. Interact is a program for students ages 14-18. Interact clubs can be based in the community or in schools. The school does not “take over” entirely, but works closely with the sponsoring Rotary club to implement meetings and projects. Interact clubs support many of the same causes that Rotary clubs do. For example, Interactors have helped raise funds for tsunami victims, organize outings for poor children, and renovate homes in developing countries.

Rotaract. Rotaract is a service club for students ages 18-30. Rotaractors can meet either at a community establishment or at a school. Rotaract clubs are able to take on more ambitious projects and work more independently. They generally focus on professional development, public speaking, and career development.

RYLA Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (better known as RYLA) usually operates as a camp and is sponsored by multiple districts. Rotarians and young people from all over the region meet and exchange ideas. Rotarians run the seminars and incorporate recreational and cultural activities.

Youth Exchange. Perhaps the most popular program of all is Youth Exchange, which allows students ages 15-19 to experience another way of life by living abroad with a host family. The student is often immersed in a new language, new religion, new political system, new currency, and new traditions. The student will find friends in the host country and create a friendship that will last forever.