District 7930 - New Generations

The Avenue of New Generations recognizes the positive change implemented by youth and young adults involved in leadership development activities, community and international service projects, and exchange programs that enrich and foster world peace and cultural understanding.

"We truly have the finest youth programs in the world. Their intrinsic value continues to escalate and we need to give them greater visibility. New Generations isn't just important to the future of Rotary but also our communities and the world." ⁽¹⁾

New Generations referes to the youngest generations in the family of Rotary. Many are participants in Rotary's youth and young adults programs: Interact, Rotaract, Rotary Youth Exchange and Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA). Others are service-minded young people in volved in Rotary club and district activities.

"Our vision for the future, now more than ever, is the difference between success and failure. The New Generations are our investment in the future. Let us begin to build that future today." ⁽²⁾

^{(1) Rotary International President (2010-2011) Ray Klinginsmith.}

^{(2) Past Rotary International President (1996-1997) Luis Vicente Giay.}

Interact is Rotary Internationals service club for young people ages 12 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. The 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 that 10,700 clubs in 109 countries and geographical areas, Interact has become a worldwide phenomenon. Almost 200,000 young people people are involved in interact.

Rotaract is a Rotary-sponsored service club for young men and women ages 18 to 30. Rotaract clubs are either community or university based, and they're sponsored by a local Rotary club. This makes them true "partners in service" and key members of the family of Rotary.

As on of Rotary's most significant and fastest-growing service programs, with more that 8,400 clubs in about 170 countries and geographical areas and, as has Interact, has become a worldwide phenomenon.

How does it work?

All Rotaract efforts begin at the local, grassroots level, with members addressing their communities' physical and social needs while promoting international understanding and peace through a framework of friendship and service.

What are some other opportunities available to Rotaractors?

Rotaractors may also

Work together with Interact Clubs or mentor Interactors
Participate in Rotary Leadership Awards
Become Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholars or Vocational Training Team Members
Seek membership in their local Rotary club after their Rotaract membership ends.

How can I learn more?

For more information about Rotaract in your area, contact your local Rotary club or if you are a member of Rotary International District 7930 you can contact our District Rotaract Chair, through our District web site at www.rotary7930.org.

As a Rotary Youth Exchange student, you will spend up to a year living with host families and attending school in a different country.

Whether you participate in Rotary's long-term or short-term Youth Exchange programs, you will learn a new way of living, a great deal about yourself, and maybe even a new language. You will also be an ambassador, teaching people you meet about your country, culture, and ideas. You can help bring the world closer - and make some good friends in the process.

For over 75 years, students and host families have broadened their horizons through Rotary Youth Exchange. More than 80 countries and over 8,000 students each year participate in the program, which is administered at the regional level by Rotary districts and at the local level by Rotary clubs.

Globally Minded

Rotary clubs are made up of volunteers who are involved in community service, emphasize high ethical standards, and work toward peace and understanding in the world. Over 1.2 million Rotarians in more that 33,000 clubs create the extensive network that provides support for Youth Exchange.

A Commitment to Youth

Rotary maintains a strong connection to youth and young adults. Besides Youth Exchange, Rotary clubs sponsor youth service clubs such as Interact, Rotaract and RYLA and offer career development and mentoring programs. (Combined, however still independent of each other, they are our New Generation.)

Rotary is committed to creating and maintaining the safest possible environment for all participants in its programs, including Youth Exchange.

Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is Rotary's leadership training program for young people. RYLA participants can be ages 14-30, but most clubs and districts choose to focus on a narrower age range, such as 14-18 0r 19-30.

RYLA emphasizes leadership, citizenship, and personal growth and aims to

Demonstrate Rotary's respect and concern for youth
Provide an effective training experience for selected youth and potential leaders
Encourage leadership of youth by youth
Recognize publicly young people who are rendering service to their