Rotary International ∙ District 6940
Introduction
• Officially adopted by Rotary International in 1971, Rotary Youth
Leadership Awards (RYLA) is one of the most significant and fastestgrowing programs of Rotary service.
• Each year, thousands of
young people take part in the
program worldwide.
• The impact spreads further as the program influences
other young people, and RYLA programs often
lead to the formation or strengthening of
Rotaract and Interact clubs.
What is RYLA?
RYLA is an intensive training program
for community youth leaders.
Each Spring, 10th graders throughout
District 6940 are nominated based on
their past service to the community and
leadership potential, and are awarded an
all-expenses-paid camp to discuss
leadership skills and to learn those skills
through practice.
Goals
I.
II.
III.
IV.
Demonstrate Rotary’s respect and concern for youth
Provide an effective training experience for selected youth and
potential leaders
Encourage leadership of youth by youth
Publicly recognize young people who are providing service to their
communities.
Why should students attend?
• To enable promising young leaders to encounter and analyze critical issues of
professional and business ethics and to accept responsibility
• To confront and resolve critical social, cultural, economic, and environmental
issues
• To develop and refine leadership skills
• To become more acquainted with the
business and professional worlds
• To meet and make new friends of different
racial, social, and cultural backgrounds
• To learn about Rotary and its many youth
oriented programs
• To have a FUN learning experience
Students attending RYLA can expect to further develop their
personal and leadership skills in the following key areas:
1. Communication Skills – develop interpersonal skills; communicate,
listen and write more effectively; engage in some form of public
speaking in a warm, supportive environment.
2. Personal Qualities – identify various types of personalities; help
people to get along with each other; manage their time more effectively;
avoid stressful situations; plan for healthier living.
3. Leadership – identify the characteristics of effective leaders; become
aware of the various styles of leadership; observe effective leaders
operating in a meeting situation.
4. Problem Solving Strategies – brainstorm and think creatively; engage
in practical problem solving and decision making activities; use a
problem solving model in a practical situation.
Skills required to be future leaders
Important Information for RYLA 2014
Dates: Thursday April 10th to Sunday April 13th, 2014
RYLA Chair: Shawn Hamm – Tallahassee Sunset, shawn.hamm@live.com
Location: Wallwood Boy Scout Reservation – Quincy, Florida
Number of Students: 70-80
Cost to Clubs: Tuition is $300.00 per student. Transportation is not included in tuition.
Clubs should make check payable to Rotary District 6940, indicate RYLA in the memo
line and mail to:
RYLA Club Sponsorship
Attn: Regina Baniakis
P.O. Box 4153
Pensacola, FL 32507
Transportation: Each club is responsible for getting their students to RYLA. Most clubs
coordinate transportation with other area clubs to car (van) pool. Some clubs utilize
church vans and personal vehicles. Other clubs rent vans from vendors such as
Enterprise.
RYLA 2014 Timeline
January 2014
• Nominations by teachers via Memo to Teachers
• Club sponsorship commitments and tuition due to District Treasurer
• Volunteers, Group Leaders and Facilitators identified and paperwork completed
February 2014
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RYLA Applications distributed to nominees
Applications received and reviewed by Clubs - in some cases, interviews are scheduled
RYLArians selected by Clubs
Group Leader and Facilitator Training
March 2014
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Applications of selected RYLArians are sent to RYLA Committee
Permission slips are sent to students
Final transportation arrangements are made
Group Leader and Facilitator Training
April 2014
• RYLA at Wallwood Boy Scout Reservation in Quincy!
~ What we need from Rotarians
across District 6940 and in the
Tallahassee area ~
Intense Club Involvement
(6) Core RYLA Committee (80-360 hours)
•
•
•
•
•
•
Chair
Program Coordinator
Club/Funding Coordinator
Logistics Coordinator
Alumni/Student Coordinator
Volunteer/Transportation Coordinator
(8) Group Leaders (80 hours)
•
•
•
•
•
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•
United States
Peru
Haiti
El Salvador
India
Nigeria
Uganda
(5) Special Service Volunteers
• Snack Czar (80 hours)
• 2 Photographers (25 hours)
• 2 Nurses (80 hours)
Estimated Volunteer Time = 2,600 hours
Estimated Financial Investment = $25,000
(10+) Leadership Facilitators (8-30 hours)
~ What to expect at RYLA 2014~
Leadership Training on Low
Ropes and in Leadership
Seminars
High Ropes – testing personal
strengths and expanding boundaries
Communication – the importance
of listening and working together
Leadership Labs – leadership skills through initiative,
planning, asset utilization ethics and the 4-Way Test
RYLA Leadership Wish List
• RYLA Coordinator for EVERY CLUB!
• At LEAST one student sponsorship
PER CLUB!
• Commitment of Rotarians to serve from
each side of the District on rotating 2
year basis.
• Support from District for Train the
Trainer sessions
• More attention to deadlines!!!
• More Rotarians to experience RYLA
2013-2014 RYLA District Chair:
Shawn Hamm – Tallahassee Sunset Rotary
(321) 544-3732 • shawn.hamm@live.com