This week’s Rotary meeting offered a rich and insightful look into how our club is investing in the next generation, strengthening intercultural understanding, and embracing new technologies and learning styles. With a full agenda and an engaged room, members explored how Rotary can continue to evolve while staying true to its mission of service, mentorship, and community connection.

 

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Youth Committee Spotlight

The meeting began with an in-depth update from the Youth Committee, which plays a vital role in building pathways for young people to engage with Rotary values. The committee currently includes 10–12 active members and works closely with:

• Interact Clubs in high schools

• Rotaract Clubs at universities

• Young Professionals Clubs for recent graduates transitioning into the workforce

It was emphasized that these programs create experiences that stay with young people for life.

Each youth program supports a wide mix of activities, from fundraising and community service to cultural outings and skill-building events. Members were encouraged to help strengthen these programs by mentoring, visiting club meetings, and participating in activities.

Youth Exchange Opportunities

A special highlight was the call for participants and volunteers for Rotary’s International Youth Exchange. Students can participate in:

• A full-year exchange abroad, or

• A short-term summer exchange, often a reciprocal visit with another Rotary family

Members who know students aged 15–18 were asked to help connect them to this fantastic opportunity.

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Announcements and New Initiatives

RCOV Nominations – 2026/2027

President

• Navid Morowej

Directors (2-Year Term)

• Mark Hirschi
• Tamlyn Mafika
• Olesia Kloster

Director (1-Year Term)

• Adriana Zylmans

Secretary Announcements

Ally Potel introduced two meaningful initiatives underway within the One World Committee:

1. Cultural Calendar
   This new resource will highlight significant cultural and religious holidays throughout the year, promoting greater awareness, inclusivity, and cross-cultural understanding within the club.

2. Inclusion Labs
   Designed as hands-on workshops, these labs will help members build confidence with everyday digital tools such as Google Meet, Google Drive, and other collaborative platforms. Members are invited to volunteer as facilitators or participants. Dates will be communicated. 
    

WEEKLY PROGRAM
Panel Discussion: Learning from the Next Generation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sandra Lowe facilitated a dynamic panel exploring what Rotary can learn from today’s younger generations. Panelists included:

• Eric Peach — Software engineer and Vancouver Young Professionals Rotaract member

• Laura Brisard — International service editor with a background in budget analysis

• Alison Stanley  — Electrical engineering student and active member of both Rotaract and Young Professionals

The conversation opened with reflections on common misconceptions about younger generations—from assumptions about work ethic to misunderstandings about communication styles. The panel emphasized the importance of curiosity, empathy, and reserving judgment when bridging these generational divides.

Mentorship & Reverse Mentorship

A central theme was mentorship—both traditional and reverse:

• Eric shared how a senior colleague helped him navigate a large engineering project.

• Laura highlighted mentors who shaped her humanitarian and policy work.

• Alison described a Rotaract mentorship model where experienced members coached newer ones through planning a major club event.

They also noted how younger members can teach older members digital skills, new workplace norms, and fresh ways of thinking—a powerful form of reverse mentorship that strengthens collaboration and understanding.

Challenges Facing Today’s Youth

The panelists spoke candidly about the realities their generation faces, including:

• The rising cost of housing

• Climate anxiety and global instability

• Declining participation in university co-op programs

• The pressure to constantly reskill for an evolving job market

Despite these challenges, examples were shared of young people leading innovative projects, building community, and finding new approaches to solving global problems.

AI, Technology & Social Media

An engaged discussion followed about the rapid rise of AI:

• Laura expressed concern about misinformation and the erosion of critical thinking.

• Alison noted how tools like ChatGPT support her studies while requiring mindful balance.

• Eric compared the rise of AI to past tech shifts (like the introduction of colour TV), emphasizing the importance of intentional information consumption.

The group also touched on the power, pitfalls and harm of social media and the need for thoughtful, moderated use.

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Advice and Reflections

Each panelist shared closing words of wisdom for young people - and for all Rotarians:

• Laura: Stay curious. Seek mentors and build connections that open doors.

• Alison: Learn something every day, even through mistakes. Growth happens at the edges of your comfort zone.

• Eric: Use the “Plan-Do-Check-Act” approach to make intentional, iterative improvements in both personal and professional life.

The overarching message: learning is lifelong, and the strongest communities are those where generations learn from each other.