New Generations Service

(Youth Services)

New Generations Service was created by the 2010 Council on Legislation of Rotary International and recognizes the positive change implemented by youth and young adults involved in leadership development activities, community and international service projects, and exchange programs that enrich and foster world peace and cultural understanding. The Rotary Club of Houma is committed to involving youth and young adults in all its activities, including vocational, community, and international service projects, and to providing programs and resources that support youth and young adults, and is committed to coordinating closely with Interact Clubs and Earlyact Clubs.

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.

The Rotary Club of Houma sponsored the first club at H L Bourgeois High School in 2012.

Each year, the Interact club completes 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 Club of Houma sponsors four participants every year to attend the 4-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 community’s Early Act Club

EarlyAct™ is a school-wide service club for elementary students from ages 5 to 13. It is the mission and operation of EarlyAct™ to be closely linked to the ideals of Rotary and provide the foundation and natural succession into Interact.

EarlyAct™ provides young students the opportunity for gaining an increased awareness and knowledge of their community and the world. At a young age, all students can easily be encouraged to be caring and helpful. Their minds are open to recognize the dignity and worth of each individual which builds respect for others.

EarlyAct™ also engages students in character-building activities and prepares them for leadership roles to identify and carry out projects which benefit their school, local and global communities.

In 2009, the Rotary Club of Houma and Mulberry Elementary School partnered to establish the first EarlyAct Club in Terrebonne Parish. In 2017, St. Matthew’s Episcopal School and in 2018, Coteau Bayou Blue established their Early Act Clubs.