Youth Services
Rotary believes in developing the next generation of leaders. Our programs help younger leaders build leadership skills, expand education and learn the value of service.
Youth Services, has been officially recognized as the Fifth Avenue of Service by Rotary International. This formal action was taken in Chicago during the April 2010 meeting of the Council on Legislation, the legislative arm of Rotary International which meets every three years.
Youth Service programs include all our Rotary service programs for young people up to the age of 30. In our District, these include the RI Programs of Rotaract, Interact, RYE, and RYLA, along with a large number of other projects done at the club level. Youth Protection is another important Youth Service resource available to Rotarians, clubs and youth programs at the District level.
So, why are Youth Service programs so important that they have now been recognized internationally?
We often hear that our youth is our future. This is certainly true and one of the reasons that we focus on literacy, leadership training, and expanding training in ethics for young people. These are the people who will be running our country and our world within the next 20 years.
Rotarians have always taken a sincere interest in helping to prepare the next generation-with programs and projects that help with health and education, and lead the way to world peace and understanding. Beyond this fact, young people are also the future of our organization if we choose for Rotary to survive and thrive beyond our lifetime. Through Rotary youth programs, we have the opportunity to not only provide service that is the keystone of our organization, but also to develop relationships and provide exposure to our wonderful organization and the ideals of "service above self" to the next generation.
Ages 19-25
RYLA is an acronym for Rotary Youth Leadership Awards. RYLA is leadership training for young adults (19-25 years) led by a professional facilitator experienced in youth leadership development and supported by RYLA graduates and Rotarians;
One week residential program on a college/university campus consisting of lectures, simulation games, discussion groups, committee work, public speaking, social activities;
An opportunity to learn, grow, share ideas, have fun and make new friends.
Adventures in Citizenship
Ages 16-18
Students from across Canada meet with political leaders and senior officials from the Ottawa area to learn about our democrat Institutions, diversity of Canada and the privileges and responsibilities of Canadian citizenship.
Human Rights & Peace Building
Ages 16-18
The goal and mandate of RAHR is to provide students with the opportunity to better understand human rights by exploring themes such as gender equity, Indigenous perspectives, genocide, racism, discrimination, othering, sustainability, positive peace, value based leadership, immigration and refugee status, when rights are denied and more!
At the end of the program, students will have the opportunity to create an action plan that they can implement in their school or community.
Interact
Ages 12-18
Interact clubs bring together young people ages 12-18 to develop leadership skills while discovering the power of Service Above Self. Find out how serious leadership can be seriously fun.
Interact clubs organize at least two projects every year, one that helps their school or community and one that promotes international understanding. Rotary club sponsors mentor and guide Interactors as they carry out projects and develop leadership skills.
Rotary Youth Exchange
Ages 15-18
Youth Exchange is a study-abroad opportunity that lasts anywhere from a few weeks to a full year.
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