Since 1962, young people around the globe have been stepping into leadership, service, and global fellowship through Interact Club, Rotary’s youth service program. Born from a vision of empowering teenagers to make a difference in their communities and the world, Interact has not only instilled the values of Service Above Self but has also fostered a lifelong passion for community engagement, cultural exchange, and—let’s not forget—plenty of fun.
A Historic Beginning
The story of Interact began on 5 November 1962 when the Interact Club of Melbourne High School in Florida was officially certified—the first club of its kind. In a now-iconic moment, the charter members stood surrounded by their sponsoring Rotary club, forming the shape of a letter “I” to represent Interact. Among them was Woody Bowden, the club’s first treasurer, who fondly recalled, “Even then we knew this was a historic occasion. We were proud of being the first club of its kind.”
Just a month later, Rotary's official magazine published an article titled “The Blueprint’s Ready for Interact”. It introduced the world to this “new youth group,” aimed at young men aged 15 to 18 (though today it’s open to all genders). The purpose? To bring together young people in a world fellowship dedicated to service and international understanding. The name “Interact” — a fusion of “international” and “action” — was selected from over 200 submissions. Interestingly, linguists confirmed that the name “translates clearly in almost every language spoken by Rotarians,” a nod to the program’s global aspirations.
Growing a Global Movement
What began as a single club in Florida quickly grew into a global movement. Today, there are thousands of Interact Clubs across the world, involving hundreds of thousands of young leaders. Through service projects, leadership training, and international initiatives, Interactors develop personal integrity, leadership skills, and a deep understanding of global citizenship.
But it’s not all serious business. Interactors know how to have a good time — whether it’s fundraising for a cause they care about, organizing community events, or participating in international exchanges and Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA). The sense of camaraderie and purpose that Interact fosters often becomes a defining experience in many young lives.
The Power of Starting Young
There’s a reason why Interact continues to thrive more than 60 years after its founding: it empowers young people not just to serve, but to lead. It gives them a platform to turn ideas into action, while being supported by mentors in the Rotary family. Many former Interactors go on to become Rotaractors and Rotarians, carrying the spirit of service with them into adulthood.
The idea is simple but powerful — to change the world, start young. And that’s exactly what Interact does, one project, one leader, and one community at a time.
Interested in starting an Interact Club or joining one? Reach out to your local Rotary club to learn more about how you can get involved in this dynamic global movement!
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