Rotary International ∙ District 6940

Rotary Youth Leadership Awards

Introduction

• Officially adopted by Rotary International in 1971, Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (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.

What is RYLA?

RYLA is an intensive training program for community youth leaders. 

Each Spring, 10th graders throughout District 6940 are nominated based on their past service to the community and leadership potential, and are awarded an all-expenses-paid camp to discuss leadership skills and to learn those skills through practice.

I. Demonstrate Rotary’s respect and concern for youth

II. Provide an effective training experience for selected youth and potential leaders

III. Encourage leadership of youth by youth

IV. Publicly recognize young people who are providing service to their communities.

Goals

Why should students attend?

• To enable promising young leaders to encounter and analyze critical issues of professional and business ethics and to accept responsibility• To confront and resolve critical social, cultural, economic,

and environmental issues• To develop and refine leadership skills• To become more acquainted with the

business and professional worlds• To meet and make new friends of different

racial, social, and cultural backgrounds• To learn about Rotary and its many youth

oriented programs• To have a FUN learning experience

Skills required to be future leaders

Students attending RYLA can expect to further develop their personal and leadership skills in the following key areas:

1. Communication Skills – develop interpersonal skills; communicate, listen and write more effectively; engage in some form of public speaking in a warm, supportive environment.

2. Personal Qualities – identify various types of personalities; help people to get along with each other; manage their time more effectively; avoid stressful situations; plan for healthier living.

3. Leadership – identify the characteristics of effective leaders; become aware of the various styles of leadership; observe effective leaders operating in a meeting situation.

4. Problem Solving Strategies – brainstorm and think creatively; engage in practical problem solving and decision making activities; use a problem solving model in a practical situation.

Dates: Thursday April 10th to Sunday April 13th, 2014

RYLA Chair: Shawn Hamm – Tallahassee Sunset, shawn.hamm@live.com

Location: Wallwood Boy Scout Reservation – Quincy, Florida

Number of Students: 70-80

Cost to Clubs: Tuition is $300.00 per student. Transportation is not included in tuition. Clubs should make check payable to Rotary District 6940, indicate RYLA in the memo line and mail to:

RYLA Club SponsorshipAttn: Regina Baniakis

P.O. Box 4153Pensacola, FL 32507

Transportation: Each club is responsible for getting their students to RYLA. Most clubs coordinate transportation with other area clubs to car (van) pool. Some clubs utilize church vans and personal vehicles. Other clubs rent vans from vendors such as Enterprise.

Important Information for RYLA 2014

January 2014• Nominations by teachers via Memo to Teachers• Club sponsorship commitments and tuition due to District Treasurer• Volunteers, Group Leaders and Facilitators identified and paperwork

completed

February 2014• RYLA Applications distributed to nominees• Applications received and reviewed by Clubs - in some cases,

interviews are scheduled• RYLArians selected by Clubs• Group Leader and Facilitator Training

March 2014• Applications of selected RYLArians are sent to RYLA Committee• Permission slips are sent to students• Final transportation arrangements are made• Group Leader and Facilitator Training

April 2014 • RYLA at Wallwood Boy Scout Reservation in Quincy!

RYLA 2014 Timeline

~ What we need from Rotarians across District

6940 and in the Tallahassee area ~

Intense Club Involvement

(6) Core RYLA Committee (80-360 hours)

• Chair• Program Coordinator• Club/Funding Coordinator• Logistics Coordinator• Alumni/Student Coordinator• Volunteer/Transportation

Coordinator

(5) Special Service Volunteers

• Snack Czar (80 hours)• 2 Photographers (25 hours)• 2 Nurses (80 hours)

Estimated Volunteer Time = 2,600 hoursEstimated Financial Investment = $25,000

(8) Group Leaders (80 hours)

• United States• Peru• Haiti• El Salvador• India• Nigeria• Uganda

(10+) Leadership Facilitators (8-30 hours)

~ What to expect at RYLA 2014~

Leadership Training on Low Ropes and in Leadership Seminars

High Ropes – testing personal strengths and expanding boundaries

Communication – the importance of listening and

working together

Leadership Labs – leadership skills through initiative, planning, asset utilization ethics and the 4-Way Test

• RYLA Coordinator for EVERY CLUB!

• At LEAST one student sponsorship PER CLUB!

• Commitment of Rotarians to serve from each side of the District on rotating 2 year basis.

• Support from District for Train the Trainer sessions

• More attention to deadlines!!!• More Rotarians to experience

RYLA

RYLA Leadership Wish List

2013-2014 RYLA District Chair:Shawn Hamm – Tallahassee Sunset Rotary(321) 544-3732 • shawn.hamm@live.com