1. Rotary Youth Leadership Awards

2. RYLA Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is one of Rotary International’s nine structured programs designed to help clubs and districts achieve their service goals in their own communities and in communities abroad, fostering fellowship and goodwill in the process.

3. What is RYLA? RYLA is an intensive training program for youth ages 14-30. Programs are typically in the form of a seminar, camp, or workshop, 3-10 days in length, organized by Rotarians at the club or district level.

4. RYLA Goals Rotary Youth Leadership Awards Demonstrate Rotary’s respect and concern for youth. Provide an effective training experience for selected youth and potential leaders. Encourage leadership of youth by youth. Publicly recognize young people who are providing service to their communities.

5. RYLA’s Core Curriculum Each RYLA should be tailored to meet the needs of its audience, but core curriculum includes: Fundamentals of leadership Ethics of positive leadership Importance of communication skills Problem-solving and conflict management Rotary’s purpose and service to the community Building self-confidence and self-esteem Elements of community and global citizenship

6. Benefits of RYLA Develops youth leadership skills and self confidence while exposing them to community leaders and mentors Inspires new ideas for service, increases support of projects, and helps develop future potential members

7. RYLA History The first RYLA was held in July 1961 in Brisbane, Australia. It became a structured RI program in 1971. Each year, over 60% of Rotary clubs nominate a RYLA participant or help organize a RYLA event.

8. RYLA Guidelines Highly flexible Age range is 14-30 Varying event lengths Organized and run by Rotarians Sponsored by several districts jointly, by one district, or by a Rotary club

9. Sample RYLA Themes Leadership in a global society Leadership at your school/in your community Ethics in Business Ethics and the Environment

10. How to Organize a RYLA Form a RYLA committee. Identify the target age group. Identify the location and speakers. Promote the event to the community, schools, Interact, or Rotaract clubs. Submit RYLA Report Form to RI after the event.RYLA Report FormRI

11. Role of District The district RYLA chair is appointed by the district governor and selects the RYLA committee, which: Selects program dates Selects site Develops a budget Determines program agenda Promotes to clubs

12. Role of Clubs Rotarians at the club-level can: Select awardees Provide sponsorship Develop expectations of youth upon return from program Encourage their participation in other RI Programs

13. Resources The following resources are available on the RI Web site: RYLA section RYLA Brochure RYLA Handbook RYLA staff e-mail Rotary E-Learning Center