District Governor's Message

September is New Generations month when we celebrate all the ways Rotary can help develop young leaders.  Through clubs like Interact and Rotaract and programs like Youth Exchange and Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA), young people are able to strengthen their leadership skills, serve their communities, increase their world understanding and build lasting friendships.

We are fortunate to have many successful examples of these clubs and programs throughout our district and leaders willing to share relevant information on how your club can increase their participation in these areas too.  Please refer to our district website or contact me for additional information.

Over the years, my family has participated in many levels of New Generations services from hosting several exchange students to last year sending our own daughter on a short term youth exchange.  My wife Lori is a member of the Madison After Hours Club and also the Interact advisor at the school where she teaches and we have both participated in RYLA the past two years.  We’ve learned these opportunities are not only beneficial to the participants but have been real gifts to us as well. 

In this month’s video address I share some thoughts about the benefits these programs offer to the youngest members in the family of Rotary.  Some of you may notice the duration of this film appears to have exceeded my self-imposed five minute limit.  This is due to the addition of a commercial message.  Please feel free to fast forward through this segment if you wish.  Thanks for watching and sharing with your Rotary club and friends.