Founded in 1962 by Rotary International, Interact Clubs provide a platform for young people to engage in community service and foster leadership development. The name “Interact” is derived from the words “international” and “action,” reflecting the global scope of the program and its focus on taking action to make a positive difference.

Interact Clubs operate under the guidance of a local Rotary Club, which serves as a mentor and sponsor. This unique partnership allows students to benefit from the experience and support of Rotarians while independently organizing and carrying out projects that address the needs of their schools, communities, and the wider world.

Interact Clubs are student-led and operate with high autonomy, though Rotary mentors support them. The clubs focus on service projects and leadership activities, which can include:

1. Community Service: Interact members identify local challenges and develop projects to address them. Examples include organizing food drives, cleaning up parks, or hosting events to raise awareness about important issues.
2. International Service: Interact Clubs are encouraged to participate in international service projects to emphasize Rotary’s global reach. These projects involve fundraising for global initiatives, supporting disaster relief efforts, or collaborating with Interact Clubs in other countries.
3. Leadership Development: Interact members gain valuable skills through club activities, such as planning events, public speaking, teamwork, and problem-solving. These experiences prepare them to become leaders in their schools, communities, and future careers.
4. Fostering Friendships: Interact is not just about service—it’s also about building connections. Club activities provide opportunities for students to make friends, work as a team, and share experiences that promote cultural understanding and goodwill.

Each Interact Club operates independently, tailoring its projects and activities to its members’ unique needs and interests. However, all clubs must complete at least two service projects annually—one focused on their local community and one with an international scope.

Interact Clubs are often school-based but can also exist as community clubs that draw members from different schools. Meetings are typically held regularly, where members brainstorm ideas, plan projects, and reflect on their progress.

Joining an Interact Club offers numerous benefits for young people, including:

• Leadership Skills: Members develop confidence and leadership abilities by participating actively in club projects and activities.
• Community Impact: Students experience the satisfaction of making a tangible difference in their communities.
• Global Awareness: Through international projects, members learn about global issues and the value of cross-cultural collaboration.
• Networking Opportunities: Interact provides a platform to connect with peers, mentors, and other members of the Rotary family.
• Scholarships and Recognition: Active involvement in Interact can open doors to scholarships and recognition opportunities within Rotary and beyond.

Today, over 20,000 Interact Clubs are in more than 140 countries, with nearly half a million members. This global presence reflects the universal appeal of service and the shared desire of young people to create a better world.

Getting involved with an Interact Club is simple. If you’re a student aged 12 to 18, check with your school or local Rotary Club to see if there’s an existing Interact Club in your area. If not, you can work with a sponsoring Rotary Club to start a new one.

For Rotarians or community members, supporting an Interact Club is a rewarding way to mentor young leaders and inspire the next generation to embrace the Rotary motto of “Service Above Self.”

Rotary Interact Clubs are more than service organizations—they are incubators for the next generation of leaders and changemakers. Interact Clubs empower young people to make a difference in their communities and the world by fostering a spirit of service, leadership, and global awareness.

If you’re a young person looking to lead, serve, and grow or an adult seeking to inspire and mentor, Interact Clubs offer an incredible opportunity to be part of something bigger. Join the movement today and see how service can shape your future!