Rotary Global Passport sponsors applicants from around the world to attend RYLA virtually.
The Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is a leadership program organized and facilitated by Rotary Clubs around the globe. Each year, thousands of youth (13-18) are invited to participate based on their leadership potential.
The seminar is devoted to enhancing and expanding the leadership skills and abilities of the next generation of leaders in communities throughout the World. Students are provided with a range of new experiences, tools, and perspectives through icebreakers, group discussions, amazing guest speakers, and other interactive activities that engage and nurture their inner leader!
RYLA aims to:
Demonstrate Rotary's respect and concern for youth;
Provide an effective training experience for selected youth and potential leaders;
Encourage leadership of youth by youth;
Recognize young people who are rendering service to their communities.
Most RYLA programs cover 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
Each year, students create lifelong friendships from their participation.
They are introduced to other Rotary youth programs, including Interact, Rotaract, and Rotary Youth Exchange, and learn how they can stay involved with Rotary in their community after the seminar—they expand their horizons both inside and outside the organization!
Note to Districts worldwide: Please advise if your District is hosting a virtual RYLA.