Rotary Youth Leadership Awards

Leadership, Citizenship, Personal Development

Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is an intensive training program for community youth leaders. Young people chosen for their leadership potential attend an all-expenses-paid seminar, camp, or workshop to discuss leadership skills and to learn those skills through practice.

RYLA's Core Curriculum

Every RYLA includes the following topics:

• Fundamentals of leadership
• Ethics of positive leadership
• Importance of communication skills in effective leadership
• 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

Officially adopted by Rotary International in 1971, RYLA is one of the most significant and fastest-growing programs of Rotary service. Each year, thousands of young people take part in the program worldwide. The impact spreads further as the program influences other young people, and RYLA programs often lead to the formation or strengthening of Rotaract and Interact clubs.

RYLA aims to:

• 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;
• Recognize publicly young people who are rendering service to their communities.

The RI RYLA Committee has developed a Web site. Please stop by at http://www.rotaryryla.com/.

Organizing a RYLA Event

RYLA is organized differently from area to area. While the age range is 14-30, most events focus on a narrower age range. Some events are one-day workshops, while others are week-long camps. RYLAs are organized and run by Rotarians with records of achievement, and a RYLA event can be sponsored by several districts jointly, by one district, or by a Rotary club.

For more information about RYLA in your area, contact a Rotary club near you, or your District RYLA Chairperson. The RI RYLA Committee also assists Rotarians in carrying out RYLA programs.

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