Community Involvement
Our club is committed to the continuous improvement of our local community. From working withschools to improve student’s experience and academic success to our work with the local B-Streettheatre’s Educational Programs our members are out serving and bettering our community.
Point West Rotary Supports Local Schools
Partners in Leadership Program
Since 2011, Point West Rotary has hosted its Partners in Leadership program for Encina High School students, offering an annual, day-long off-campus conference designed to introduce students to key life concepts. Each year, approximately 30 students are selected by Encina’s teachers, counselors, and principals. A similar number of PWR members volunteer to participate, pairing up with students for one-on-one conversations throughout the day.
The conference begins with breakfast and the distribution of a program t-shirt, followed by an opening session featuring a guest speaker. Students engage in discussions on important topics such as ethics, values, and decision-making, with a special focus on the Rotary Four-Way Test. The session is followed by interactive exercises that challenge students' thinking and personal values. Lunch is provided, and the day culminates in a student-led skit that highlights key concepts from the day, including ethical dilemmas and leadership decision-making.
The learning doesn't stop at the conference. Following the event, PWR members continue to mentor the students through monthly Roundtable meetings at the school. These sessions provide students with the opportunity to reinforce and practice the skills they learned at the conference, such as public speaking, ethical decision-making, leadership, and taking personal responsibility. Other key topics include how to be a positive role model, trust in oneself, and tips for success in college and job interviews, including resume writing.
At the conclusion of the program, students are recognized as PWR Partners in Leadership award recipients during their graduation. They also receive a personalized letter of reference, which can be a valuable tool for future college or job applications. To date, over 385 students have participated in the program. Many graduates go on to pursue higher education or enter the workforce to support their families.
The Partners in Leadership program has become a hallmark of Point West Rotary' youth initiatives, helping to shape the leaders of tomorrow.
Interact
Interact is Rotary International’s service club for young people ages 12 to 18. Interact clubs are sponsored by individual Rotary clubs, which provide support and guidance, but they are self-governing and self-supporting. We currently support clubs at West Campus and Encina High Schools in Sacramento.
– Check out the West Campus Interact Instagram –
Club membership varies greatly. Clubs can be single gender or mixed, large or small. They can draw from the student body of a single school or from two or more schools in the same community.
Each year, Interact clubs complete 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 13,500 clubs in over 100 countries and geographical areas, Interact has become a worldwide phenomenon. Over 310,000 young people are involved in Interact.
For more information about Interact clubs supported by Point West Rotary, contact PWR Interact Chair Don Rodes at dwrodes1@gmail.co.
Rotary Youth Leadership (RYLA)
High School Juniors and Seniors and Tomorrow’s Leaders
Rotary Youth Exchange (RYE)
Rotary Youth Exchange builds peace one young person at a time
Rotary Youth Exchange is a program through Rotary International, which includes 1.2 million business and professional leaders in more than 33,000 Rotary clubs in over 200 countries and geographical areas. The members of these autonomous clubs, Rotarians, volunteer their time and talents to serve their local communities and the world. Approximately 100 Rotary clubs worldwide participate in Rotary Youth Exchange with the goal of bringing peace to the world one young person at a time through exchange.
Rotary and our District value diversity and celebrate the contributions of people of all backgrounds, regardless of their age, ethnicity, race, color, abilities, religion, socioeconomic status, culture, sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity and are committed to inclusion and diversity. We celebrate multiple approaches and points of view, as we want to build a culture where difference is valued.