Youth Service

Serving young people and children has long been a part of Rotary's Community and International Service and in 1949, the Rotary International Board of Directors adopted the slogan “Every Rotarian an Example to Youth” as an expression of Rotary's global commitment.  Today's Rotarians support a variety of in house programs... Rotaract, Interact, Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA), Youth Exchange and New Generations Exchange.  In addition, Rotarians sponsor Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops, athletic teams, centers for disabled children, school safety patrols, summer camps, orphanages, recreation areas, safe driving clinics, county fairs, child-care centers, and children’s hospitals.  Many clubs provide vocational counseling, establish youth employment programs, and promote the use of The 4-Way Test. Increasingly, drug/alcohol abuse prevention and AIDS awareness projects are being supported by Rotarians.  In every instance, Rotarians have an opportunity to be role models and mentors for the young people of their community. One learns to serve by observing others. As our youth grow to become adult leaders, it is hoped each will achieve that same desire and spirit to serve future generations.  It is the responsibility of each Rotarian to prepare the next generations —all young people up to the age of 30 —by improving their life skills to ensure a better future, while recognizing the diversity of their needs.  In 2010 Rotary added "New Generations" to the Four Avenues of Service; which has since been changed to Youth Service at the 2013 Rotary Council on Legislation.