Katy's Knowledge Corner

Did you know? Every May, Rotary International celebrates Youth Service Month to highlight its long-standing commitment to developing young leaders. The tradition traces its roots to the 1920s, when Rotary clubs initiated youth development programs such as "Boys Week," which ultimately evolved into a global framework for youth leadership, service, and cultural exchange.  

Key Historical Milestones

• 1920: The Rotary Club of New York and local groups hosted the first "Boys' Week," which focused on education, health, citizenship, and vocation.
• 1927: The Rotary Club of Copenhagen, Denmark, facilitated the first official Rotary student exchange, which later expanded to Nice, France, in 1929.
• 1931: A group of young men from Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England, traveled to Hamburg, Germany, setting the stage for what would eventually become the modern Rotary Youth Exchange.
• 1962/1964: The Interact program, focused on community service for young people, was officially launched, with the first international club established in Thanjavur, India.
• 1975: Rotary Youth Exchange was officially recognized as an official Rotary International program.
• 2010: Following a vote at the Council on Legislation, Rotary established New Generations Service as its fifth avenue of Service to recognize the importance of youth and young adults.