Interact

Interact is a service and social club for young people aged 14-18. Each club, which can be either community or school based, is sponsored by individual Rotary Clubs, which provides support and guidance. Interactors are encouraged to develop local and international service projects. Interact derives its name from the words “international” and “action”, reflecting the nature of the organisation that exists in 110 countries and promotes active service at home and abroad. With almost 200,000 members and more than 8,600 clubs worldwide, Interact provides a powerful force of youthful enthusiasm and energetic service.

Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment

The Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment is a three day seminar for participants aged between 14 and 17 years of age. The programme is designed to demonstrate Rotary's commitment in Vocational Service to our younger generation. The programme covers a range of topics including; communication, tolerance, drugs and alcohol, police law and you, physical fitness, job seeking and social skills. The candidates selected are young people who will benefit from the learning experience, are not necessarily the highest achievers and have the potential to progress to a leadership role with added confidence and training.

Four Way Test Public Speaking Contest

This programme, a Rotary initiative in partnership with Toastmasters International is a schools speaking contest and was introduced to District 9810 in 2005-06 and has been held every year since. The aim of the contest is to promote to young people the ideals and ethical values of Rotary by drawing attention to the wide applications and implications of Rotary's Four Way Test. To encourage and foster proficiency in the art of public speaking. To develop confidence and self esteem of the young participants. To provide opportunities for students to test their skills before an audience. The competition is open to year 10 students. Participants may choose their own topic which they feel is current, interesting and important. The speech must be based on the application of the Rotary Four Way Test, with the principles of at least two of the ideals of the Four Way Test running clearly through the entire speech and not just reserved for the concluding statements.

Summer Science Experience

The Summer Science Experience is a fun three days of science activities for students leaving Year 9 and about to enter Year 10. Each programme is designed to provide those who have an interest in science with an opportunity to engage in a wide range of fascinating science activities under the guidance of scientists who love their work.
The programmes take place in university laboratories and lecture theatres in universities around Melbourne. Participants perform experiments in the university laboratories, meet and hear university lecturers in the university lecture theatres, and walk around and experience what it is like to be on a university campus. More than 40,000 Year 9 students have taken this rare opportunity.  The programme also provides information about further studies in science, technology and engineering. It highlights the wide range of careers that allow students to pursue their interest and abilities in the sciences.

Model United Nations Assembly

The Model United Nations Assembly is a wonderful opportunity for teams of two students to take part in an exceptional experience. Its purpose is to encourage young people to learn about other nations, appreciate the workings of the UN and develop debating and public speaking skills. During the weekend the students debate up to 10 resolutions representing a UN member country. They are asked to dress up in their countries national costume and represent their countries viewpoint not their own.

Every year approximately 5,000 students worldwide aged 15 to 17 go abroad under the auspices of the Rotary Youth Exchange Program for one academic year. Rotary Youth Exchange students live with host families in a country other than their own. They will learn a new language; a new way of living and a great deal about themselves. Exchange students are part of the ambassador team of Rotary International. The object of the programme is to bring the world closer together. It is standard practice for applicants interested in the programme to be screened by using detailed applications and interviews. This process helps ensure that only highly responsible and mature students are sent on an exchange.

National Youth Science Forum

The NYSF is a twelve day programme for students moving into Year 12 who are thinking about a career in science, engineering and technology. Rotary has been in partnership with the programme since 1984 along with the Australian Government, major industry, national research institutes and universities. The most important aspect coming from the NYSF is a network of friends, colleagues and support groups throughout Australia, which will be of value to participants for the whole of their lives. The NYSF helps students by introducing them to research and researchers, by encouraging the achievement of excellence in all their undertakings, and by helping to develop their communication and interpersonal skills. It also fosters discussion of, and interest in major national and global issues and emphasises the importance of maintaining continuing active interests in sport, arts and music.

Rotary Youth Leadership Awards

Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is an intensive leadership training programme for community minded youth. Young people, who have left school, are chosen for their leadership potential to attend a week long all expenses seminar to discuss leadership skills and to learn those skills through practice. Issues discussed include professional responsibility, human relations, leadership and communication skills. They also learn about businesses and how Rotary works with communities both locally and internationally.

Rotaract

Rotaract clubs, for people aged 18-30, foster leadership and responsible citizenship, encourage high ethical standards in business and promote international understanding and peace. A programme of Rotary International, Rotaract clubs work under the guidance of their local Rotary club. The word Rotaract comes from a combination of the words “Rotary” and “action.” Today, there are an estimated 149,000 members in 6,447 Rotaract clubs in 154 countries. Clubs draw members from the community or are organized as an extra-curricular activity for college students. Under the guidance of a Rotarian advisor, Rotaract clubs conduct formal meetings, usually every two weeks, which feature speakers, tours of local businesses, cultural activities, discussions, and visits to other clubs. Each year, Rotaract clubs conduct at least one service project in each of three areas of service: vocational, community and international. In addition to their service agenda, Rotaract clubs also focus on professional development, organizing career-related programmes to assist members and peers outside the club in making informed career choices.

RYDA

RYDA provides first quality road safety information to youth to help ensure when they commence driving they have the best road safety education possible.
RYDA a not-for-profit company is an organisation that has developed a road safety education program delivered to the youth of our community through Rotary Clubs. The Program is directed towards our young people about road safety as they approach the period in their life when they start driving a car and ride as a passenger in a car driven by one of their peers.

0808 - The Battle of Amiens

This is a new Rotary project being developed by Dr Kevin O’Flaherty from the Rotary Club of Melbourne.
The 8th August 1918 was one of the most important days in Australian Military History. On that day in 1918, General Sir John Monash commanded the first major breakthrough battle victory against the Germany Army in World War I. On 8 August, 102,000 Australian Diggers (with another 100,000 in reserve) spearheaded the attack. They destroyed one German Army. On 9 August the equivalent of another Germany Army was put out of action. Two German Armies destroyed and dislocated in 48 hours. The Germans themselves admitted that defeat in The Battle of Amiens ended the war for them.

Schools and individual students will be able work with 0808 project to identify and honour all participants who took part in The Battle of Amiens.
Check school Honor Boards and local WW1 memorials for the names of soldiers – research their detail.

Send details to a special website www.0808.org.au where helpful research links may be found. Write a poem, reflection, make a short movie – use your skills – to honour Monash’s planning and leadership and the Diggers’ courage and determination.
For further information contact - Dr Kevin O’Flaherty- Ph 03 9820 0222
Email: kevinof@iprimus.com.au