Empowering Young Leaders: The Story of Interact in District 5110 and Rotary International

Imagine a high school student named Maya who wants to make a difference in her community—but doesn’t know where to begin. She’s passionate, curious, and full of ideas, but lacks the tools and network to put them into action. That’s where Interact comes in.

Bruce Reece, Illinois Valley

Imagine a high school student named Maya who wants to make a difference in her community—but doesn’t know where to begin. She’s passionate, curious, and full of ideas, but lacks the tools and network to put them into action. That’s where Interact comes in.

Interact is a Rotary-sponsored program designed for youth ages 12–18 who want to develop leadership skills while making a positive impact locally and globally. It’s part of the broader mission of Rotary International (RI), and it has strong support throughout District 5110, which spans communities in Oregon, Northern California, and parts of Nevada.

Through the District 5110 Interact website, students like Maya can find local Interact clubs or start their own. The site connects them with mentors—experienced Rotarians—and offers resources for planning service projects, fundraising, and participating in international programs like Rotary Youth Exchange and Global Interact Week.

On a bigger scale, the Rotary International website highlights the global Interact movement. With over 20,000 clubs worldwide, Interact empowers young people to tackle issues like clean water access, literacy, mental health awareness, and environmental sustainability. The site features stories, videos, and toolkits that help students take their efforts to the next level—and feel connected to a global family of changemakers.

Who can participate?

Any student aged 12–18 can join or start an Interact club. All it takes is a group of motivated youth, a school or community sponsor, and a Rotary club willing to guide and support them. Interact clubs are inclusive, student-driven, and focused on leadership through service.

Thanks to Interact and its online presence through District 5110 and RI, students like Maya don’t have to wait to grow into leaders—they’re becoming them right now.

What does it cost? There is no cost to participate in Interact.

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