INTERACT

The Rotary Club of Ingleburn sponsors The Hurlstone Agricultural High School Interact Club. It has approximately 400 members and is one of the most active Interact Clubs in our region.

Founded in 1962 the Interact program has grown dramatically into a Rotary-sponsored international programfor service minded young people between the ages of 14 and 18 or in the final four years of their secondary schooling. Clubs can be either community-bases or attached to the local high school.

The purpose of Interact is to provide opportunities for young people to work together in a world fellowship dedicated to service and international understanding. Among its goals are the recognition and development of constructive leadership and personal integrity, the encouragement and practice of thoughtfulness and helpfulness to others, the recognition of the dignity and value of all occupations and the development of knowledge and understanding of community, national and world affairs.

An Interact club is organised, sponsored and supervised by a Rotary club and, where school based, approved and encouraged by school authorities. There is a standard Interact Club Constitution prescribed by Rotary International which each club must adopt. Local by-laws provide limited flexibility. For purposes of extension, liaison and co-ordination the district governor appoints a Rotary District Interact Chairman and supporting committee. It is their responsibility to plan and present any training for Interact club members. Where more than five Interact clubs exist within a district, a district Interact representative may be elected.

Typical of the projects undertaken by Interactors include: painting of school property, church halls, scout/guide halls; making toys; minor repairs for senior citizens; helping sick and aged pensioners with lawn mowing and gardening; aid to flood and bush fire victims; assisting disadvantaged students; supporting primary reading programs; sending support packages off to Third World countries. Clubs fundraise through BBQ's, dances, fashion parades, raffles sporting activities, etc. Clubs meet not less than twice per month. It is imperative that each sponsoring club provides an Interact chairman who liaises regularly with the club and ensures the attendance of a Rotarian at meetings on a regular basis.