When we think of youth services within Rotary, we think of the programs we support like Rotary Youth Exchange (RYE), Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) or Interact clubs in our communities. What we don’t think about as much is the ‘Why’ these programs are important part of Rotary’s mission statement.
“Together we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.”
Walt Disney once said, “Our greatest natural resource is the minds of our children.” Many times, we do not give much thought as to how do our youth services programs support our greatest resources. The concept of protecting natural resources fits well into a couple of Rotary’s areas of focus. As Rotarians, when we engage with youth in any way, we can make an impact. As clubs we can support a student either in-bound or out-bound in the RYE program or support a future leader by allowing a young person to experience RYLA.
The famous basketball coach John Wooden said, “Young people need models, not critics.”
By providing positive programs for young people and living our 4 Way Test, we as Rotarians are providing that model. Think of the lasting changes we can make in young people learning to lead, provide service to others and develop long-lasting friendships through being involved in an Interact club in their community. The actions of these young club members create lasting changes in not only themselves but those they interact with.
“Preventing the conflicts of tomorrow means changing the mindset of youth today.” – Graça Mache. One of Rotary’s areas of focus is on peacebuilding, and through our RYE program, we are doing that one student at a time. These young people who either go abroad to live and study in a different country/culture or come to our district and learn that we have more in common than we think. Has your club had an exchange student come and speak? If so, you have seen the steps, even small ones, that we have taken with these students to build a better understanding of each other. Thus, we are building a more peaceful world, one student at a time.
Witnessing the positive changes a weekend at RYLA camp can make has given me a new perspective on the program. I saw the changes in the way students interacted with each other and watched throughout the camp as these young leaders grew. If you have an opportunity to talk with a graduate of the RYLA program, you will see their eyes light up as they recount their life-changing experience. What a great idea for a club program. Invite one or more RYLARIANS to talk to your club. Now is also the time for your club to support students in this year’s RYLA camp, which is coming up on the first weekend in August.
Youth services are one of the best ways we can take action to make lasting changes in our communities. We have only looked at the programs that Rotary has in place. Many other programs within our communities exist where a Rotary club or Rotarians can make positive impacts through their support. Think about your service projects or fundraisers that aim to support a youth program in your community. We are often doing much more than we think.
“We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt. Let’s continue to do so through our efforts with Youth Services.
- Steve Gage
