The Fifth Avenue of Service - What Does It Mean??

Thursday, September 9, 2010
The Fifth Avenue
by Sharon Cyr and Amanda Runge, RI Programs Division

The Avenues of Service, long a cornerstone of Rotary service, first appeared in Rotary literature circa 1939. Service to youth has also been prevalent for most of our history. Some of you may ask, “What took so long for youth to be recognized in the Avenues of Service?” Traditions can be hard to change, and for many years, the Council on Legislation rejected proposals for a fifth avenue dedicated to youth. At the 2010 Council, an enactment was passed that established New Generations Service as the fifth avenue. Some of you may say “It was about time!”

What does this new avenue mean for clubs? New Generations is defined as service to young people up to age 30. Clubs can support the New Generations through RI Programs such as Interact, Rotaract, RYLA, and Youth Exchange, but also through any project that works with young people such as mentoring or scouting. One strategic plan goal is to balance activities in all Avenues of Service. With the addition of a fifth avenue, clubs should consider projects that address the needs of the New Generations.

How else does this support and strengthen clubs? Service Above Self, is a message that resonates with people from all generations. By combining the energy from the New Generations, we can move Rotary forward.

How will ..your clubs and.. district recognize New Generations Month?

What New Generations Programs work well in your area?

What programs might need more support from you to thrive?