What is RYLA?

The Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (“RYLA”) is a program for young people that was officially adopted by Rotary International in 1971. Conducted on a district level, RYLA offers Rotarians a special opportunity to take part in developing qualities of leadership and good citizenship among the young people of their communities.

District 7070, which comprises Rotary clubs from Belleville to Toronto, has conducted RYLA programs continuously for many years. RYLA is a life-changing experience for young people aged 19 - 22. Each club may sponsor qualified individuals to attend a one-week leadership training program, all expenses paid.

The District 7070 RYLA program, “Leadership Begins With Me”, provides an opportunity for the participants to get to know themselves better and to cultivate the respect and trust of others. They are able to identify their own leadership skills and determine ways to make more effective use of their resources. Their enthusiasm and technique is brought back to the community from which the participants were sponsored, and thus impacts on the young people being influenced by these youthful leaders.

RYLA introduces a large number of young people and their families to the Rotary ideals of service each year. It helps bridge the communication gap between the generations and helps improve relationships among youth groups, families and the community. RYLA also has been instrumental in the formation of Rotaract clubs and complements all other Rotary youth activities.

Objectives

• To encourage and assist selected youth leaders and potential leaders in methods of responsible and effective voluntary youth leadership by providing them with an unforgettable, indelible training experience;
• To encourage continued and stronger leadership of youth by youth;
• To publicly recognize the high qualities of many young people who are rendering service to their communities as youth leaders; and
• To further demonstrate Rotary’s respect and concern for youth.

The Award

1. To live for one week (from Sunday, May 16, 2010, to Friday May 21st, 2010) on campus (at Loyalist College in Belleville) to attend a leadership training course, all expenses paid by the sponsoring Rotary club;
2. An invitation to the candidate to join a meeting of the sponsoring Rotary club to meet Rotarians and to learn something of Rotary; and,
3. A special occasion to attend a meeting of the sponsoring Rotary club, after attending RYLA, to address the Rotarians about the RYLA experience and to be presented with a RYLA certificate in recognition of “service to the community”.

The Program

• Discussions on many aspects of youth;
• Simulated games designed as a stimulating series of “learning by doing” experiences;
• Small group discussions on the thinking and ideas which arise as a result of the lectures and simulations;
• An opportunity to discuss individual and group issues and concerns;
• Structured recreational activities;
• Leisure activities and fellowship; and,
• Responsibility for the organization and operation of several committees - recreation, entertainment, daily newspaper, etc.

Selection Criteria

The RYLA program requires selflessness, self-awareness and previously exhibited leadership qualities. In order to benefit from the lectures, activities and tasks, participants need the ability to communicate effectively and to work well with other young men and women.

Candidates who are 19 to 22 years of age and who meet the remaining criteria have a much better opportunity for a successful week. Candidates who have completed at least 4 years of secondary schooling will be better prepared to understand and apply the lessons which occur daily. The principles of adult education are assumed and applied. Therefore a degree of academic maturity is required.

Yes, RYLA is a terrific program! How does your Club get involved?

Please pass the accompanying document, “RYLA Form 2010”, to your Youth Services Director or RYLA Committee Chair, for action, as soon as possible. Key actions and dates are listed in the first section, “Instructions to Participating Rotary Club”. For starters, we need your Club’s investment of $850 by March 31, 2010. Second, we need the name and coordinates of your candidate(s) by April 30, 2010. However, I assure you that it will be easier for everyone, particularly your candidate, if you have made your selection much sooner than that. Your call.

Please make your cheque payable to “District 7070 RYLA 2010”, and have it sent directly to:

Josie Abbate
Bank of Montreal, First Canadian Place,
P.O. Box 3, Concourse Level, Toronto, ON M5X 1A3
(B) 416-643-4334, Fax: 416-867-7609,
josie.abbate@bmo.com