What is Interact Cafe?
A phenomenal surprise that went beyond anything we’d hoped for!
The idea grew out of an awareness people like people who care, and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere where they can brainstorm and problem-solve. It also grew out of a concern that the link between Rotary clubs and their Interact clubs is often weak or broken. Many Interact clubs operate with little or no input form their sponsor clubs. And many Rotarians know very little about Interact. We can ALL do a better job of engaging youth in Rotary. A few of us began talking, and wondering – what if…
What if… Interactors understood more about the international reach of Rotary?
What if… Rotarians understood more about the concerns of teens?
What if… adults in Rotary were more open to seeing their world in a different light – the way young people see it?
What if… we got people together and removed boundaries of gender, age and race – and focused on building a better world?
What if… we fed those people, didn’t charge for the event, and still got them home early enough to do homework?
Improving engagement
Improving our culture of engagement needs investment at every level. So Rotarians, Rotary presidents, Presidents-elect and new members, faculty advisors are also invited to participate. It is not a simple information session - it is interactive and designed to break down barriers of all types. And while the sessions were designed to be only an hour and 15 minutes, we had to kick the kids out afterwards, they were so into connecting with counterparts form other schools!
Learning together
Its amazing to watch a room full of people totally into activities, laughing and learning from each other, and together. The way that Interact, RYLA and Youth Exchange feed and support each other really comes out in this environment - all 3 programs are stronger because of their participation in the Cafes. New Rotarians are amazed, and long-time Rotarians ere energized. And the kids develop new awareness of Rotary and connect with counterparts in neighboring communities.
Led by youth
The sessions are led by youth - it gives them a chance to shine, and gives us the opportunity to see into their world a little more clearly. Training is provided ahead of time. Students not only lead the conversations, they also help set up, greet and welcome people, even build the playlists for music. And graduates of the RYLA program have been tasked with helping to refine and shape future sessions based on feedback from past cafes. In fact, this led to the addition of a spontaneous role-playing session allowing volunteers to step into pre-fab scenarios. It became very popular – and was the perfect way to end the sessions.
Solving Problems
Several Rotary clubs came hoping to learn how to start an Interact club, and heard from students what things would attract teens to a new club. Some Interact leaders came hoping to learn how to strengthen their club, improve participation, or increase membership. Each table had a different topic – all led by students – just like you’d find at your neighborhood café. People talking and listening, solving problems, and enjoying each other’s company.
Covid-19 brings it to a halt
While we had to cancel the 4th Café due to the emergence of Covid, the program re-energized Rotarians and Interactors alike. And fed interest in connecting programs – we had very brief video presentations about RYLA and Youth Exchange at the closing of the Café. Three Rotary clubs came hoping to start new Interact clubs in their communities. And students from RYLA came so they could learn how to start a club in their own school. All in all, the time seemed ripe for an idea like this. We can’t wait to start up again – hopefully this fall!
Learn More
To learn more, please contact our District 7930 Interact Chair, Keith Harris, via email to keith@partnerwithchoice.com or call 978-807-7334.