Those attending our March District Forum were treated to an inspiring introduction to what young people are doing in our District. For those who think Rotary is only for adults, think again!
Chew Valley School – Net Zero Interact Club
When Greta Thunberg was 16 she spoke at COP 25. Members of Chew Valley Net Zero Interact club are a similar age and are no less enthusiastic about doing their bit to protect the environment. They have been very busy since their formation in 2023, including “Pick and Run” events around their local villages, fundraising to provide heat deflectors for homes in Sierra Leone, and they are the first Net Zero Interact club in the world. They are a group of committed youngsters who ask us “What can you do to help address climate change and change our planet for the better?”.
Supported by their school which prides itself on it’s Climate Action Team, and sponsored by Chelwood Bridge Rotary, this club is set to grow and we are keen to create a network of Interact Net Zero clubs throughout our district and beyond.
To find out more contact Martin Palmer at Chelwood Bridge Rotary
RotaKids in Midsomer Norton
Four youngsters from St John’s Primary School gave an enthusiastic presentation about their activities since formation of their club in 2023. Each has a leadership role in the club, President, Vice President, Fundraising and Environment.
Their events and activities include a fundraising bike ride, packing waterboxes, non uniform days, books for kids, a cake sale and creating a bug hotel in their school forest area. These busy young RotaKids have also reached out to RotaKids in Zimbabwe and are creating penfriends in that country.
To find out more contact Ian Huxham at Midsomer Norton Rotary.
We are keen to create Interact Net Zero clubs and RotaKids clubs throughout our district. A network of committed youngsters who ask us “What can you do to help address climate change and change our planet for the better?”
Rotaract in Chippenham
The Rotaract club in Chippenham is a new club under formation which currently has 12 members. Supported by Chippenham Rotary, this group of young people aged 18+ is set to make changes, including forming connections with local youth groups to find out what the young want in their town. We look forward to hearing more as this group expands and develops its ideas.
Rotary Youth Exchange Programmes
In addition to clubs for all ages, we heard about another life changing activity which Rotary offers young people, our Rotary Youth Exchange Programmes.
Short Term Exchange Programme (STEP)
This taster experience during the school holidays is for 15 to 17-year-olds who will be paired up with an exchange partner and stay with each other for around three weeks, learning about one another’s country and way of life.
Camps and Tours
Across Europe and beyond, Rotary members run camps, some with tours, mainly during the summer holiday, catering for age groups from 15 to 25-year-olds.
Support for clubs to introduce these exchange programmes to school 6th Forms, is available from Eddy Sims on our district team, who will also provide help with signing up for these programmes.
To find out more about Rotaract and Youth Exchange programmes, contact Eddy Sims at Chippenham Rotary
Circa 1200 - People of Action 