Being involved with District 6040 Rotaract and Interact efforts
By Chad Higdon - Being involved with District 6040 Rotaract and Interact efforts, I have the wonderful opportunity to learn about service of some of our future leaders in the area. We have seen an increased interest in starting new Interact and Rotaract clubs in our territory, likely as a result of RI’s commitment to New Generations service. If any clubs are interested in learning how their club might be able to support such an effort I would encourage you to contact myself or district leadership to help guide you through this process.
By Chad Higdon - Being involved with District 6040 Rotaract and Interact efforts, I have the wonderful opportunity to learn about service of some of our future leaders in the area. We have seen an increased interest in starting new Interact and Rotaract clubs in our territory, likely as a result of RI’s commitment to New Generations service. If any clubs are interested in learning how their club might be able to support such an effort I would encourage you to contact myself or district leadership to help guide you through this process.
The Park University Rotaract Club is currently undertaking their second service project of the year. Last fall the club collected money and Box Tops for school supplies to support recovery efforts in Joplin, Missouri. Now the club is focusing on an international effort to collect math, science and English textbooks, backpacks, pens and pencils for Dorr Elementary and Junior High School in Liberia West Africa. The Rotaract Club President, Solo Zinnah sought asylum from Liberia at an early age, but still holds a place close to his heart for his home country. As his fellow Rotaractors saw his passion to help those still fighting an oppressive government through personal education they decided to help support his vision by undertaking this project. The club is collecting these items through April 20, 2012. If you know anyone that might be willing to support this fantastic effort please contact Solo at Solo.Zinnah@park.edu or (816) 694-1173.
Another effort is underway to support international service efforts, led by the Benton High School Interact Club located in St. Joseph, Missouri. This provisional Interact club organized this year after the club had become dormant following several decades of activity. The new group has recently submitted their Charter information to RI and is very excited to resurrect this wonderful endeavor. The Interact club is also planning a free event, open to the public on Tuesday, February 21 at 6:00 pm at the Hoof and Horn Restaurant in St. Joseph. They are organizing a silent auction and will be providing food and beverages to those in attendance. Donations will be solicited from attendees, and proceeds from the event will go to support international Polio eradication efforts. For more information on this project you can email the club’s faculty advisor Ky Turner at ky.turner@sjsd.k12.mo.us.
It is very exciting to see young people get involved in humanitarian efforts. Our district is leading the way in supporting the development of our young leaders while promoting a service above self mentality. We are very proud of these accomplishments and hope that our introduction to Rotary efforts will lead the way to encourage these individuals to consider joining a Rotary club at a later point in their life.