RYLA 2018: Substitute Opportunities

Posted by Neil Phillips, District Governor

As some of you may have heard, the RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) program for 2018 was cancelled.  This is not a rumour; due to a variety of reasons, it was not feasible to conduct the program this year. 

BUT, this does not mean we do not have Youth Leadership opportunities.  Nor does it mean Clubs have lost an opportunity to achieve one of the requirements for the Rotary Citation.  In fact, with the convention in Toronto this year, there are several opportunities to sponsor youth leaders.  Here are some details..... 

What is the goal in the Rotary Citation:  Promote peace and develop future leaders by sponsoring or hosting at least one Rotary Youth Exchange student or sponsoring at least one participant in a RYLA event. 

The District Youth Leadership team have met, and agreed that in lieu of the RYLA cancellation, Clubs can qualify by sending an individual to any one of the following:

The Interact Precon, which is a one-day program.  (Though unfortunately, we realize the Toronto convention timing is likely difficult for almost all Ontario secondary-school students): http://www.interactconvention.org/

The Rotaract Precon, which is a two-day program.  http://www.riconvention.org/en/toronto/rotaract-preconvention

(Also note, as with the Convention, there is a selection of Rotaract Host Committee social events.  These are scheduled to go on sale February 19.  These are social events - not considered RYLA substitutes.) http://www.rotaract18.org/

The Convention itself, which is vastly reduced for youth: http://www.riconvention.org/en/toronto/registration-fees

The Rotary Peacebuilding Summit, which is the culmination of all five held during the year.  (The first in Vancouver just this past week, which I attended.) http://www.riconvention.org/en/toronto/rotary-peacebuilding-summit

 

For those looking further afield, there is also the 2018 RYLA North America Conference. http://rylanad7620.com/2018-conference/

Other than the conference in Washington, all the above are less costly than RYLA.  That may provide you opportunities to cover necessary accommodation.  (Note Rotaract accommodation is an excellent deal.)

Any questions, please contact Rotaract Chair Mark Chipman, Interact Chair Patti Wright, Youth Services Chair Marie Visser or myself.

Regards,

DG Neil.