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Rotary Youth Leadership Award Applicants Sought

There are only 30 openings, so applications for high school students between 15 and 18 years old who are interested in applying for a Rotary International District 7150 RYLA Seminar are available.

Curriculum – Rotary District 7150

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.

RYLA is an intensive training program for community youth leaders. Young people chosen for their leadership potential attend an all-expenses-paid three day seminar 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 problem solving model in a practical situation

About RYLA Seminars:
During this intensive three day 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. Attendees also have the opportunity to participate in a "ropes course" to learn team building and trust recognition skills. 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 seminar is ably co-ordinated and organized by an active committee comprising a number of Rotarians plus faculty and staff from Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC).

For More Information:

Contact a Rotary Club near you, e-mail the District 7150 RYLA Facilitator or a member of the District 7150 RYLA Committee whose addresses are found on the RYLA Committee listing. The RI RYLA Committee also assists Rotarians in carrying out RYLA programs. If you want to apply, download the RYLA Application from this site, complete it and take it to a District 7150 Rotary Club in your area.

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Criteria for RYLA Candidates

This program requires self-awareness, previously exhibited leadership qualities, and the ability to communicate effectively.

Required Criteria:

• Age: high school students between the ages of 15-18 years.
• Academic Level: Candidates are in high school. 10th,11th,12th grade
• Drugs: Not been or currently be involved in drugs
• Medical: Not have any medical, mental or physical conditions that would preclude their active participation in all activities of the program
• Leadership Activities: (Identify items appropriate to your area from list)
• Availability: Be available for the full duration of the seminar including residence on campus and attendance at the graduation luncheon.

Suggested Leadership Activities:

• Hold leadership positions in high school student governments, clubs, or athletic teams.
• Significant project involvement: ie. school class project, Junior Achievement, Science Fair, school play, etc.
• In 4-H, FFA, Scouting, Church and/or other community leadership roles
• Leader of Interact Club
• Previously a Rotary Exchange Student participant
• School or community sports involvement
• Volunteer worker in community organizations or programs.

Awards: Recognized by school, organizations and / or community for outstanding scholastic, athletic, and other exemplary achievements.

Potential: To become a Community Leader and Supporter.

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