1. YOUTH SERVICE:
Experiences, Benefits
& Challenges
Presented by: Rotarian D. Kafui Kornu
(President, RC Sunyani-Central)
May 20, 2020

2. Rotary and the Youth
• In 1949, the Rotary International Board adopted the slogan "Every
Rotarian an Example to Youth" as an expression of commitment to
children and youth in each community in which Rotary clubs exist.
• Serving young people has long been an important part of Rotary.
• Youth service projects take many forms around the world.

3. Youth Service as an Avenue of Service
 The 2010 Council on Legislation approved New Generations as the fifth Avenue of Service. This
was changed to Youth Service in 2012.
• Youth Service recognizes the importance of empowering youth and young professionals through
leadership development programs such as:
10,904 Clubs
250,792 members
148 countries
20,372 Clubs
468,556 members
159 countries
• intensive leadership
experience
• have fun
• make connections
• learn a new language
• discover another culture
• become global citizens.

4. RYLA Experiences
Experiences:
• Shapes your world view
• Courage to move out of your comfort zone
• Inspires you to seek an international career

5. Benefits of joining Rotaract
 Leadership skills
 Career development through mentorship
 Community and International service through hands-on service projects
 Development of lifelong friendships
 Fun networking and social activities
 Promote ethical standards and the dignity of all useful work (4-way Test, Object of Rotary)
 Offer opportunities for service, locally and globally
 Be part of an international network of young leaders

6. Rotaract’s new status
• As at April 18, 2019, Rotary International Council on Legislature
approved by a vote of 381-134 that acknowledges Rotaract clubs in the
RI Constitution and Bylaws and elevates them as an important member
of the Rotary family.
• Clubs can charter new clubs with or without a sponsor
• Clubs can apply for Global Grants for their projects
• Pay dues from July 1, 2022 ($5 for institution-based & $8 for community-based)
• Rotary Districts encouraged to include Rotaractors on District Committees

7. Challenges & Recommendations
• Effective and seamless integration of Rotaractors into Rotary clubs
• Reduced club dues? (Cost vs Value)
• Perceptions & Awareness (i.e. travel & job)
• Strengthen Rotaract Clubs
• Encourage peer mentoring + Effective mentoring
• Have Rotaractors as part of Club Youth Service/PI Committees
• Rotaractors not joining Rotary after leaving their clubs
• Create a DB of Alumni and stay in touch with them

8. Vision for Youth Service
• Invest in the future
• Strengthen schools and communities
• Energize club meetings, events, and service projects
• Instill a lifelong dedication to service
• Develop our next generation of community leaders and Rotarians

9. Statement of Conduct of Working with
Youth
• RI tries to create and maintain a safe environment for all youth who
participate in Rotary activities.
• To the best of their ability, Rotarians, spouses, and partners and other
volunteers must safe guard the children and young people they come
into contact with.
• We must protect them from physical, sexual and emotional harm.
- RI Code of Conduct 2. 130. 1

10. Youth Protection – What’s it all about?
• RI recognizes that all young people have the right to live free from
harassment, bullying and abuse.
• It ensures that RI has created and implemented specific plans and
procedures to secure the well being of all young people participating in
our programs.
• It ensures that all Rotarians and volunteers involved in youth activities,
are trained and carefully selected.
• It confirms Rotary International’s commitment to provide a safe
environment to youth.

11. Resources
• www.rotary.org
• Rotaract
• Interact
• Rotary Youth Leadership Awards
• Rotary Youth Exchange
• Policy changes related to Rotaract
• RI Code of Policies