There are so many ways that Rotarians serve youth: STRIVE, Rotary Youth Exchange, elementary school reading, Camp Enterprise (and the list goes on). One extremely valuable program sponsored by my own club has gotten little attention … student internships.
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Over the last 10 years, our Eden Prairie AM Rotary Club has impacted nearly 30 youth through our student intern program. High school seniors are selected to assist the club with a variety of duties including weekly meetings, service projects and social media postings.These bright students serve our club and learn about Rotary as they are mentored by and network with Rotarians. In exchange for a weekly commitment of time, interns gain invaluable experience interacting with community leaders, intimate exposure to one of the best-run nonprofits globally, and a chance to grow leadership skills in an extremely supportive environment. If your club is interested in this way of impacting youth, reach out and we can share details. What better way to serve youth than by getting to know and learn from them!
Our first-class Rotary Youth Exchange program also offers significant service to youth. I attended the final orientation for outbound students this past weekend. Courageous young people have chosen to travel to another country, live with people each has only met “virtually” and move into a new culture that most likely expands one’s comfort zone. What amazing youth!
As I perused the crowd, it occurred to me that they are truly setting a course to world peace. As we learn about each other’s culture and get to know one another, differences are mitigated and similarities expanded. Has your club had the experience of sponsoring an exchange student? If not, please consider it. Club members grow as much as the students who participate.
Rotarians serve youth in so many ways. I’d love to hear about your club’s youth service; post it on our 5950 Facebook page.
In Rotary service,
-- DG Irene
-- DG Irene