Interact

Interact is Rotary International’s service club for young people ages 14 to 18. Interact clubs are sponsored by individual Rotary clubs, which provide support and guidance, but they are self-governing and self-supporting.

In general, Interact Club membership varies greatly. 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 than 10,700 clubs in 109 countries and geographical areas, Interact has become a worldwide phenomenon. Almost 200,000 young people are involved in Interact.

Bloomington Normal Sunrise Rotary is exceptionally proud to sponsor the Interact Club at Central Catholic High School in Bloomington. Our Interact students are true "partners in service" and key members of our Rotary family.  Their accomplishments every year are truly outstanding.

Interact Activities

Shelter Boxes

In 2008, Interact Students raised money to purchase Shelter Boxes for families.  Shelter boxes are self-contained emergency shelter units designed for families who lose their home when disaster occurs,  Each ShelterBox is a large, rugged, green plastic container that holds a 10-person tent and a range of other equipment. In general, typical box contents could include:

• Thermal blankets and insulated ground sheets
• Waterproof ponchos and bin bags
• A multi-fuel stove that can burn anything from diesel to old paint!
• Cooking pans, utensils, bowls and mugs
• Collapsible water containers and water purification tablets
• A basic tool kit – hammer, axe, saw, pliers, hoe head, trenching shovel, rope etc
• A small, children’s pack containing drawing books, crayons, pens etc.

However, a range of equipment is kept in stock. This allows ShelterBox to be flexible
and adjust the contents of the box according to local conditions and what is most
urgently needed.

CCHS Interact students raised $3,000 for 3 shelter boxes.  These boxes were shipped to war-torn areas and to the victims of the typhoon in Myanmar. 

Pancake Breakfast

Held in late September, this breakfast is sponsored by local McDonald’s restaurants.  Students prepare and serve pancakes, sausage, coffee, and juice to raise money for the Ronald McDonald house.

Canned Food Drive

Held in early April this year, the Canned Food Drive supports local food pantries at a time during the year, when pantries often become depleted.  This year, CCHS has entered into a competition with University High School to increase the amount of food raised.

TWIRP Dance (The Woman Is Required to Pay)

This CCHS dance is hosted by the Interact Club around the date of Valentine’s day every year.  Students create the decorations and help to set up and clean up the dance.  Proceeds from this dance are used to offer scholarships to CCHS students whose families have a financial need.

CCHS Garage Sale

At the end of each school year, Interact club sponsors a garage sale in the school cafeteria.  Over the years the garage sale has grown and now seems to overflow from the cafeteria.  Members of the Interact club decide each year where to donate the money based on where the greatest need lies.

Well Project (2008-2009 School Year)

In the 2008-2009 school year, the CCHS Interact club is working to raise money to fund a well-building project in Uganda.  A site has been selected by a local priest who is visiting from Uganda.  This well will be built near a school and will greatly improve the quality of life of the local population.

Central Catholic Sunrise Rotary "Student of the Month"

Each month our club recognizes a Central Catholic Interact student. This student is our guest for the month, and on her or his last day, is asked to briefly speak to the club about her or his perceptions of Rotary and her or his experiences having breakfast with us for the month.  We are very proud of all of Central Catholic Interact students, and we are very pleased to host our Students of the Month!