RYLA is one of our important New Generations programs - and can look very different from one district of Rotary to another. Though we may work with different age groups and different agendas in RYLA, we are all working with the future leaders of our communities - giving them the opportunity to learn about leadership, ethics and other important life skills. Maintaining our communication and involvement with these dynamic young people is where the Future of Rotary comes in - stay in touch, encourage their involvement in Interact and Rotaract. Ask them to share their stories with your clubs. Share Rotary with them and their parents. They're too valuable a resource to lose!
Following is an article written by Amanda Runge of the RI Programs Division - a dynamic lady in her own right!
Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is Rotary’s leadership training program for young people ages 14-30. The size, age range, focus, and content for each RYLA varies by district, and the adaptability of RYLA to each individual community and its specific needs makes it a truly wonderful opportunity for clubs and districts to engage and empower youth.
The wide age range of RYLA participants allows for diversity in programming, by selecting a narrower range. A RYLA event for ages 14-17 could include college prep, community service projects, or a job fair that showcases the different professions in your club. For ages 18-24, the focus might shift towards professional development, and for 25-30, management development. Programs range from one day to one week, and take the format of seminars, workshops, and camps. Often districts hold more than one RYLA annually, focusing on a different age range at each event.
A recent survey conducted by Rotary International found that about half of RYLA participants are current or former members of Interact or Rotaract. Although RYLA participants can be Interact or Rotaract members, programs should be open to all interested youth applicants within the age range of the event. This open application process makes holding a RYLA event a great way to bring new faces into the Rotary world. After participating in a RYLA event, a student or young adult should be encouraged to stay involved in Rotary through Interact, Rotaract or Youth Exchange.
What does RYLA look like in your District?
What could you do to promote RYLA in a different way?
Participate in the development of tomorrow’s leaders.
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