Rotary Youth Leadership Awards

Curriculum

Officially adopted by Rotary International in 1971, Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is one of the most significant and fastest-growing 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.

RYLA is an intensive training program for community youth leaders. Young people chosen for their leadership potential attend an all-expenses-paid seminar, camp, or workshop to discuss leadership skills and to learn those skills through practice.

RYLA's Core Curriculum:
Every RYLA includes the following topics:

  • Fundamentals of leadership
  • Ethics of positive leadership
  • Importance of communication skills in effective leadership
  • Problem-solving and conflict management
  • Rotary's purpose and service to the community
  • Building self confidence and self-esteem
  • Elements of community and global citizenship

RYLA Seminars: Awardees attending the RYLA seminars can expect to further develop their personal and leadership skills in the following key areas:

  • Communication Skills: Participants will have the opportunity to: - develop interpersonal skills - communicate, listen and write more effectively - engage in some form of public speaking in a warm, supportive environment
  • Personal Qualities: Participants will have the opportunities to: - identify the various types of personality - help people to get along with each other - manage their own time more effectively - avoid stressful situations - plan for healthier living
  • Leadership: Participants will have the opportunity to: - identify the characteristics of effective leaders - become aware of the various styles of leadership - observe effective leaders operating in a meeting situation
  • Problem Solving Strategies: Participants will have the opportunity to: - brainstorm and think creatively - engage in practical problem -solving and decision -making activities - use a problemsolving model in a practical situation

About RYLA Seminars:
During this intensive week long seminar, keynote speakers from various professions and industries take time out from their normal duties to address the participants on issues which are particularly relevant to the development of strong personal and leadership qualities. Typical issues covered are: - the growth and development of self esteem - personal development - stress and self management - personal motivation - non verbal communication - time management and goal setting - leadership styles. These and other issues are covered in lectures, workshops, small and large group discussions as well as the utilization of films and video tapes as learning aids. There is also 'time out" for team recreational activities and time to get to know other awardees. As one of last year's awardees stated "It was an experience of a life time, and a opportunity not to be missed.' The whole week is ably co-ordinated and organized by an active committee comprising past RYLA awardees and a number of Rotarians.

Organizing a RYLA Event:
RYLA is organized differently from area to area. While the age range is 14-30, most events focus on a narrower age range. Some events are one-day workshops, while others are week-long camps. RYLAs are organized and run by Rotarians with records of achievement, and a RYLA event can be sponsored by several districts jointly, by one district, or by a Rotary club.

For more information about RYLA in your area, contact a Rotary Club near you, or your District RYLA Chairperson. The RI RYLA Committee also assists Rotarians in carrying out RYLA programs. Several additional resources are available from the RI Order Desk, including the RYLA handbook and brochure.

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