| How to build successful Rotaract and Interact clubs |
Participants in 23 countries joined the “New Generations: A Closer Look” webinar this month to hear advice from three Rotarians and a Rotaractor on how to make Rotaract and Interact clubs the best they can be. Here are a few of the tips and observations they shared:
 | “The main advantage of the community-based Rotaract club is that it covers the full age range from 18 to 30, leaving plenty of time for Rotaractors to develop sufficiently so they might eventually become members of Rotary.” – Martin H.F. Bridge, Rotary Club of South Holland, Lincolnshire, England; chair, RI Rotaract and Interact Committee; past governor, District 1280 |
 | "When I managed a Rotaract club, I learned to motivate people, to lead a team, to build relationships with other professionals like Rotarians, to manage a budget, and to develop personal skills like public speaking and leadership." – Alberto Cecchini, Rotary Club of Golfo d’Anzio-Anzio e Nettuno, Italy; past governor, District 2080 |
 | "The real difference came when our Rotaract club and our sponsor Rotary club became true collaborators in service, working together to create projects." – Joanna Kwong, Rotaract Club of Berkeley, California, USA; former Interactor |
 | "Interactors and Rotaractors are invited to be speakers at our Rotary district conference, and it really helps spread the message when they get to be the ones talking about why they are passionate about their service." – Tommie Buscemi, Rotary Club of Kingwood, Texas, USA; New Generations Service committee chair, District 5890 |
If you missed the December webinar, you can watch the recording to learn more. |
| Next month is Rotary Awareness Month |
How much do people in your community know about Rotary International and The Rotary Foundation? Here are three ways to spread the word during Rotary Awareness Month in January:
- Visit www.rotary.org to learn more about Rotary’s history and the many programs and opportunities specifically designed for youth and young adults.
- Promote Rotaract service activities or an upcoming RYLA event in your community.
- Feature the activities that Interactors in your area performed during November’s World Interact Week in your next district newsletter.
Building awareness of Rotary strengthens the organization’s future and the future of its youth and young adult programs. Informed program participants can inspire and attract new club members or RYLA attendees. With support from the community and local Rotary clubs, there’s no limit to what Rotary’s New Generations can accomplish! |
| Gifts that matter |
Celebrate the season with a contribution to The Rotary Foundation to honor a special person in your life or to commemorate the life of someone who made a difference in your community. Why not let your gift build a bridge of hope for those less fortunate around the world? Your generosity can provide food for a hungry child, bring clean water to an entire village, fund medicine for the sick, and support thousands of other good works in our global community. You can make your gift more personal by directing it to an area of focus.
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| Six quick tips from our Rotaract Twitter chats |
More than 150 Rotaractors, Interactors, and Rotarians participated in a series of three Twitter chats during December. Here are some words of advice in 140 characters or less:
- "Many universities already have community service clubs. So, to distinguish Rotaract, I would promote the International aspect." – @JeremyRedding
- “We’ve found it’s important to have our yearly plan set before recruitment to keep people interested and involved.” – @anget09
- “Allow every member to get involved in something within the club.” – @JamesLovatt
- “To attract those hard-to-find people . . . we make sure we promote the fun & social aspects of joining our club.” – @docorotaract
- “Assessment after a project has been completed is key to improve organization and effectiveness” –@dannypotter27
- “Delegating tasks will engage members. Tasks that are relevant to the skills and knowledge the member has are even better!” – @sushwang
Follow @Rotaract on Twitter to find out about upcoming chats. You can also read the transcripts of past chats aboutmotivating volunteers, recruiting new members, and planning successful service projects. |
| Enter The Rotarian’s 2012 photo contest |
| If you have a great shot from a fundraiser, international project, the RI Convention, or a local club event, enter it in The Rotarian’s 2012 photo contest. You may enter up to three photos that illustrate the spirit of Rotary. The best photos will appear in the magazine’s June issue. Earlier this year, Interactor Justin Schwartz received an honorable mention for his entry. View some of this year’s entries and find out more about the 2012 contest. |
| Keeping Rotary relevant |
| How can Rotary stay relevant to younger members? Hear Rotarians’ answers to this and other questions in Rotary Minute, a series of short videos, now available on iTunes through a free podcast subscription. Find out more. |
| Upcoming events |
Rotasia 2012
Kathmandu, Nepal
25-29 January
This meeting is hosted by Rotaractors from District 3292 (Nepal). Rotaractors from across South Asia are invited to attend.
2012 Rotaract European Meeting (REM)
Torino, Italy
26-29 January
This meeting is hosted by Rotaractors from District 2030 (Italy). Rotaractors from across Europe are invited to attend.
Rotaract District 2450 Midyear Conference
Dubai, UAE
16-18 February
All Rotaractors from District 2450 in the Middle East are invited to attend this meeting.
Ninth Asia Pacific Regional Rotaract Conference (APRRC)
Bangkok, Thailand
30 April-3 May
Rotaractors from across South Asia are invited to attend this event, which immediately precedes the Rotaract Preconvention Meeting.
2012 Rotaract Preconvention Meeting
Bangkok, Thailand
3-5 May
Rotaractors and Rotarians will have the opportunity to exchange ideas, hear informative speakers, and connect with the global network of friendship, engagement, and action that is Rotaract.
European Rotaract Convention (EUCO) 2012
Moscow
23-27 May
This annual meeting is hosted this year by Rotaractors in District 2220 (Russia).
RYLA Conference in North America sponsored by District 7620
Washington, D.C.
11-15 July
This leadership conference will bring together 18- to 30-year-olds, including Rotaractors and former Rotary Youth Exchange students, Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholars, and Rotary Peace Fellows. |
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| Youth Activities Resources |
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