It’s a new year
and that means it’s time to start thinking about RYLA!! Not that we ever really
stop thinking about RYLA… If you’ve never heard of RYLA, here’s a quick
introduction:
- Rotary Youth
Leadership Awards (RYLA) is an intensive training program that targets young
adults, ages 15-18, to further develop character and leadership skills and
learn about Rotary. RYLA in District 6900 is a 5-day summer camp
experience.
- Participants
are nominated by local Rotary clubs, which are responsible for all expenses.
For these young adults, this recognition offers the opportunity to build
self-confidence, gain exposure to a variety of issues and people, meet active
community leaders, and learn valuable information and career skills.
- RYLA gives
Rotarians the opportunity to mentor promising young leaders serving their own
communities and beyond. Rotarians serve as resources for participants on the
path to becoming professional and community leaders. In turn, RYLA can bring
new energy to a Rotary district, inspire ideas for service, increase support of
community service projects, and develop future Rotarians.
- RYLA 2024 will
be held June 8-12 on the campus of Georgia Southwestern State University. Cost
per student is $475, and this covers all necessary expenses related to
attending RYLA. For any students riding our charter buses from the Atlanta
area, there is an additional $50/per student cost.
- If you are a
club President, President-Elect, RYLA Chair, Service Chair, or Assistant
Governor you should have received an email a few weeks ago containing all
details about the 2024 edition of RYLA. Attached to the email were all relevant
forms and documents. If you didn’t receive this email or can’t locate it,
please reach out to District Chairs Susan Ruckman and Jaclyn Donovan.
We hope that
you and your club will consider sponsoring a student (or more than one) to
attend RYLA this year! We have seen first-hand how it can change the lives of
our students and want to share that experience with as many students as
possible. If you have any questions about RYLA, please contact Susan and Jaclyn
– they will be happy to help you!