Rotarians around the world are celebrating YOUTH SERVICES MONTH in May! Investing in our future – one young person at a time – I can’t think of a better investment of any kind! If you’ve ever watched a young person step up for the first time-lead a project, speak in front of a group, or take ownership of an idea—you know how powerful that moment is. That’s what YOUTH SERVICE in Rotary is all about.May gives us a moment to pause, reflect and appreciate something we see all around us: young people growing into leaders right before our eyes!
Sometimes it starts with Early Act. How exciting it is to see these elementary students rise up as leaders and learn how much fun it is to work with others on a special project.
More often it can start with Interact – a group of students decide they want to make a difference – maybe it’s a local food drive, a community cleanup, or a fundraiser for a global cause. What begins as “helping out” quickly turns into organizing, leading, and learning how to work together. Interact leaders are always needed in our District. Contact Jedd Thomas or John Buck if you are interested in starting an Interact Club in your schools.
Then there’s RYLA – those same students (and others they invite) are discovering their potential by spending a few days being challenged, encouraged and inspired. Personally, I attended the RYLA program in our District last summer and the impact it had on those young people was amazing. The impact it had on me personally was one that changed my life once more. I’ve already signed up to be there this summer. Contact Brendon Earle! You won’t regret it!
For some the journey stretches even further through Rotary Youth Exchange! Imagine being a teenager and choosing to live in another country, learn a new language, and represent your community and country abroad. It’s not just an adventure – it’s life-changing. And when those students come home, they bring the world back with them. I’ve had the opportunity to host a couple students and recommend it highly. See Lauren Murdoch our Youth Exchange maestro who with her team of leaders, if you are interested in helping out!
What’s most inspiring is how these programs connect. They are not separate experiences – they are stepping stones. We’re not just running programs; we’re walking alongside young people as they figure out who they are and how they want to make a difference. Sometimes we are mentors. Sometimes we are hosts. Sometimes we’re just the ones cheering them on. But, every role counts!
This Youth Service Month the question isn’t just “What does Rotary do for you?” but, “How can each of us help one more young person take that next step?” When we do, the impact goes far beyond a single project or program – it shapes a lifetime!