The document discusses Rotary International's commitment to youth service and empowering youth. It outlines several youth leadership programs supported by Rotary, including Rotaract, Interact, RYLA, and Youth Exchange. These programs provide leadership development, international experiences, and career benefits for youth. The document also notes challenges in integrating Rotaractors into Rotary clubs and ensuring alumni stay engaged. Rotary aims to invest in youth, strengthen communities, and develop the next generation of leaders through safe and effective youth service programs.

1. YOUTH SERVICE:
Experiences, Benefits
& Challenges
Presented by: Rotarian D. Kafui Kornu
(President, RC Sunyani-Central)
May 20, 2020

2. Rotary and the Youth
• In 1949, the Rotary International Board adopted the slogan "Every
Rotarian an Example to Youth" as an expression of commitment to
children and youth in each community in which Rotary clubs exist.
• Serving young people has long been an important part of Rotary.
• Youth service projects take many forms around the world.

3. Youth Service as an Avenue of Service
 The 2010 Council on Legislation approved New Generations as the fifth Avenue of Service. This
was changed to Youth Service in 2012.
• Youth Service recognizes the importance of empowering youth and young professionals through
leadership development programs such as:
10,904 Clubs
250,792 members
148 countries
20,372 Clubs
468,556 members
159 countries
• intensive leadership
experience
• have fun
• make connections
• learn a new language
• discover another culture
• become global citizens.

4. RYLA Experiences
Experiences:
• Shapes your world view
• Courage to move out of your comfort zone
• Inspires you to seek an international career

5. Benefits of joining Rotaract
 Leadership skills
 Career development through mentorship
 Community and International service through hands-on service projects
 Development of lifelong friendships
 Fun networking and social activities
 Promote ethical standards and the dignity of all useful work (4-way Test, Object of Rotary)
 Offer opportunities for service, locally and globally
 Be part of an international network of young leaders

6. Rotaract’s new status
• As at April 18, 2019, Rotary International Council on Legislature
approved by a vote of 381-134 that acknowledges Rotaract clubs in the
RI Constitution and Bylaws and elevates them as an important member
of the Rotary family.
• Clubs can charter new clubs with or without a sponsor
• Clubs can apply for Global Grants for their projects
• Pay dues from July 1, 2022 ($5 for institution-based & $8 for community-based)
• Rotary Districts encouraged to include Rotaractors on District Committees

7. Challenges & Recommendations
• Effective and seamless integration of Rotaractors into Rotary clubs
• Reduced club dues? (Cost vs Value)
• Perceptions & Awareness (i.e. travel & job)
• Strengthen Rotaract Clubs
• Encourage peer mentoring + Effective mentoring
• Have Rotaractors as part of Club Youth Service/PI Committees
• Rotaractors not joining Rotary after leaving their clubs
• Create a DB of Alumni and stay in touch with them

8. Vision for Youth Service
• Invest in the future
• Strengthen schools and communities
• Energize club meetings, events, and service projects
• Instill a lifelong dedication to service
• Develop our next generation of community leaders and Rotarians

9. Statement of Conduct of Working with
Youth
• RI tries to create and maintain a safe environment for all youth who
participate in Rotary activities.
• To the best of their ability, Rotarians, spouses, and partners and other
volunteers must safe guard the children and young people they come
into contact with.
• We must protect them from physical, sexual and emotional harm.
- RI Code of Conduct 2. 130. 1

10. Youth Protection – What’s it all about?
• RI recognizes that all young people have the right to live free from
harassment, bullying and abuse.
• It ensures that RI has created and implemented specific plans and
procedures to secure the well being of all young people participating in
our programs.
• It ensures that all Rotarians and volunteers involved in youth activities,
are trained and carefully selected.
• It confirms Rotary International’s commitment to provide a safe
environment to youth.

11. Resources
• www.rotary.org
• Rotaract
• Interact
• Rotary Youth Leadership Awards
• Rotary Youth Exchange
• Policy changes related to Rotaract
• RI Code of Policies