Five Avenues of Service - New Generations

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New Generations - The Fifth Avenue of Service

Rotary's numerous programs for students and youth can change the lives of those who participate. Through these programs, young people can earn scholarships, travel on cultural exchanges, learn valuable leadership skills, or help a community through a service project.

The Rotary club of Houma currently sponsors two Interact Clubs.  The very first club was established at  H L Bourgeois High School almost ten years ago. Membership during the 2010-2011 school year was over sixty members.

The Interact Club of Houma Junior High was chartered during the 2010-2011 school year.  It is still in the developing stages, with the hopes of gaining membership and momentum during the upcoming school year.  

WHAT IS INTERACT? 

Interact is Rotary International’s service club for  young people in grades seventh through twelfth. The clubs are sponsored by individual Rotary clubs, which provide support and guidance, but they are self-governing and self-supporting.

Club membership varies greatly and 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.

Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is Rotary's leadership training program for young people. The Rotary Cllub of Houma sponsors four participants every year to attend the 5-day camp. High school students who can apply must be in grades 10 - 12.

RYLA emphasizes leadership, citizenship, and personal growth, and aims to:

• Demonstrate Rotary's respect and concern for youth
• Provide an effective training experience for selected youth and potential leaders
• Encourage leadership of youth by youth
• Recognize publicly young people who are rendering service to their communities

 Early Act Club 

    Mulberry Elementary School

The Rotary Club of Houma and Mulberry Elementary School partnered to establish the first EarlyAct Club in Terrebonne Parish. Their “Official Kick-Off” meeting for the public was held on Tuesday, November 17, 2009, which coincided with National Education Week. 

Having a student population of over 900, the decision was made that all students in grades first through sixth would be members of the EarlyAct Club. Mulberry's Teacher Advisors-Sponsors suggested possible projects for the school year, with the Representatives having the final vote. All the following projects were completed that school year! 

          SCHOOL PROJECTS:      

                  1.   Children’s Garden Workday  

               2.   Arbor Day Tree Planting

          COMMUNITY  PROJECTS:      

                  1.   “Toys for Tots” Christmas Gifts

               2.   “Souper” Bowl

               3.    Bookmarks for Library                  

               4.   Placemats for Shut-Ins

 INTERNATIONAL  PROJECTS:       

                  1.   “Thank You” Cards to Military

               2.   Haiti Mission and Water Well/Education