Rotary Youth Leadership Awards

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RYLA

Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is one of Rotary International’s nine structured programs designed to help clubs and districts achieve their service goals in their own communities and in communities abroad, fostering fellowship and goodwill in the process.

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What is RYLA?

• RYLA events are intensive training programs for youth ages 14-30.

• A seminar, camp, or workshop, generally 3-10 days in length, organized by Rotarians at the club or district level.

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RYLA Goals

Rotary Youth Leadership Awards• 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.• Publicly recognize young people who are

providing service to their communities.

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RYLA’s Core Curriculum

• 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

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Benefits of RYLA

• Rotarians mentor promising youth in their communities.

• RYLA participants bring new energy to Rotarians, inspire fresh ideas for service, increase support of projects, and help develop future Rotarians.

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RYLA History

• The first RYLA was held in July 1961 by Rotary Club of Brisbane, Australia.

• It became an official program of RI in 1971.

• 20-600 youth participate annually.

• 70% of Rotary districts participate.

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RYLA Guidelines

• Highly flexible• Age range is 14-30• Varying event lengths• Organized and run by

Rotarians• Sponsored by several

districts jointly, by one district, or by a Rotary club

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Sample Event Themes

• Create your Vision, Empower the World• Leadership: Home & School• Ethics in Business & Society• Leadership & Ecology• Reach for the Future

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Organization Overview

• Form a RYLA committee.• Identify the target age

group.• Identify the location and

speakers.• Promote the event to the

community, schools, Interact, or Rotaract clubs.

• Submit RYLA Report Form to RI after the event.

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Role of District

The district RYLA chair, appointed by the district governor, and his or her committee• Selects program dates• Selects site• Develops a budget• Determines program agenda• Promotes to clubs

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Role of Clubs

The club RYLA Committee• Selects awardees• Provides sponsorship• Develops expectations

of youth upon return from program

• Encourages participation in other RI Programs

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Participate

RYLA helps youth• Develop leadership skills• Increase self-confidence• Gain exposure to a

variety of issues and people

• Improve career skills and knowledge

• Meet community leaders and mentors

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Resources

The following resources are available on the RI Web site:• RYLA section• RYLA publications• RYLA staff• Rotary E-Learning Center

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