“You never know the impact your actions will have on someone’s future.” Few stories illustrate that truth better than a three-decade partnership between South Carolina’s Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) and the Rotary Club of Lake Murray–Irmo.
The collaboration began in 1993 with the creation of a motivational public speaking group known as “The Insiders” at the DJJ facility on Broad River Road. The program was the first of its kind in a youth correctional setting under Communities in Schools (CIS), a national organization that connects community resources with schools to help students reach their full potential.
Andy Broughton, who served as program coordinator at DJJ in 1993, conceived and led the Insiders initiative. The group traveled throughout South Carolina, sharing messages with youth and adults about making positive choices, building healthy relationships, and the power of effective communication.
That work expanded in 2008 when the Rotary Club of Lake Murray–Irmo partnered with Broughton to charter the first Rotary International Interact Club in the world within a youth correctional facility. Then–Rotary Club President Ginny Barr, who was also a DJJ staff member, served as the Interact Club sponsor. Members of the Insiders became the charter members of the club, with Rotary members frequently attending meetings and activities.
Living out Rotary’s motto, “Service Above Self,” the DJJ Interact Club continued its speaking engagements while also launching a wide range of service projects. These included Adopt-a-Highway cleanups, free car washes, building a playground, magazine drives, and volunteering at the Special Olympics. For many participants, the experience proved life-changing and inspired a lifelong commitment to service.
In 2015, the Interact Club produced a short film that won the Rotary International Interact Video Contest. Barr said the concept and content were entirely driven by the youth involved.
“They wanted to show the transformation,” Barr said. “And they had powerful stories to tell.”
After the original Insiders participants left DJJ and began new chapters in their lives, Broughton reunited them in 2023 to form “The Messengers.” The group continues to share their experiences with audiences nationwide, encouraging youth and adults to make a difference through caring relationships and positive communication.
Broughton has also authored a book, Still Giving… How to Build Relationships That Change Lives, available through Amazon.
In recognition of his decades of dedication and impact, the Rotary Club of Lake Murray–Irmo recently presented Broughton with a Paul Harris Fellowship, Rotary International’s highest honor, acknowledging his embodiment of the organization’s “Service Above Self” philosophy.
Pictured with Rotary Club President Harold Crawford are Andy Broughton, executive director of The Messengers, and Messenger Gordon Brown, who spoke about the group’s ongoing work and mission.
