Message From Interact DG Brianna

December's Message
By Brianna Rodriguez, D5495 Interact District Governor
 
Hi Everyone! I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving!
 
Our Interact District Council recently celebrated the completion of a successful Fall Leadership Conference at the end of October. We had meaningful and inspiring presentations from our Kenya/Mexico Ambassador Teams and from some of our own Assistant Governors.
 
Next, our District Council will begin planning our Interact District Conference which will be held on Feb. 26, at Centennial High School.
 
This past month, ASU Rotaract reached out to our Interact District to host a food drive competition between our Interact clubs in support of Hunger Awareness Week (11/14-11/20). ASU Rotaract will be awarding the club with the most pounds collected with both a pizza party and a certificate of recognition at our District Conference.
 
Another huge project that our District is currently implementing is a Virtual Blood Drive, with the help of the non-profit blood drive organizer Vitalant.
 
During the holidays, Arizona regularly experiences a huge shortage of blood for those in need. We’re encouraging our Interact Clubs to reduce this shortage by signing up for the Virtual Blood Drive (Nov. 24th-Jan. 7th) through our website (https://www.rotaryazinteract.org/blood-drive).
 
A total of 100 blood donations would help 300 patients! If we all teamed up on this one project, imagine how much of an impact we could make!
 
The Interact Club with the most completed blood donations will earn FREE registration to our Interact District Conference in February. More information about this project and how it works can be found on our website.
 
Lastly, it has been an amazing year for our clubs so far!
  • Barry Goldwater Interact volunteered at a raptor rehabilitation center and disposed of 2,400 pounds of debris!
  • BASIS Scottsdale Interact recently raised over $400 by selling custom donuts donated by Dunkin Donuts for our Purple-Pinkie Project!
  • Washington High School Interact is in the process of sewing 200 scarves for Andre’s House, while also participating in other projects such as lunch bag decorating for H.E.L.P who provides lunches to children experiencing homelessness/hunger.
  • Mohave Interact has also been busy with highway clean ups, unloading trees for their “Operation Cool Shade”, and bonding with their club members by having a friendsgiving!
To continue to keep up with our Interact Clubs, follow us on Facebook (Interact District 5495 Council) or Instagram (@interactaz5495).
 
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October's message!
 
Hi everyone! The year has been off to a great start! Many Interact Clubs have started hosting in person meetings once again. Agua Fria, Centennial, and Barry Goldwater High Schools have kicked the year off by helping food banks and hosting food drives! The BASIS Scottsdale Interact Club was able to test WAPI’s in preparation for our upcoming Ambassador trip next summer. Canyon View High School is continuing their monthly park clean up, and Washington High School recently prepared and served over 400 meals to those in need. To stay updated on our clubs’ projects be sure to follow us on Instagram (@interactaz5495) or Facebook (Interact District 5495).
 
Recently, the District Council has been working hard on the development of our Fall Leadership Conference. Registration for FLC is officially open; the link can be found on our website (rotaryazinteract.org). Join us October 30th, 9:00am-12:00pm via Zoom to hear a special report from our 2021 Kenya and Mexico Ambassador Teams, receive ideas for service projects, and learn leadership skills to bring back to your club. This year the Fall Leadership will be a costume party, so we hope to see everyone dressed up for the occasion (this is not mandatory)!
 
Ryla applications are open now and close October 31st. If you know an Interactor who is looking to make new friends and have lots of fun, all while learning new leadership skills, then encourage them to apply!
 
Rotary has a new area of focus: Helping the Environment! Join the Environmental Committee, led by an Interactor, Chloe Lyons. If you know an Interactor, Rotaractor, or Rotarian that’s passionate about the environment and is looking for new ways to give back to their community, have them email the head of the committee, Chloe Lyons (roxy35@cox.net).
 
As always, if you have any questions my email is briannar2460@gmail.com.