D9650 - Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA)

RYLA 2008 Blog Spot - Rylarians quickly post thoughts and interact with other members.

RYLA AIMS

To demonstrate Rotary's respect and concern for youth

To encourage continued and stronger leadership of youth by youth

To provide leadership training experience for young people to assist them to be actively and effectively involved with their communities and their work place.

What is RYLA?

The Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is a recognition programme where local Rotary Clubs select young people who currently hold leadership positions in community groups, or have shown potential to lead these groups. The major part of this award is an opportunity to participate in a challenging week long residential conference.

What are the benefits?

The RYLA conference provides an opportunity to extend leadership skills and rapidly assists with personal growth; it provides a rare opportunity to focus on leadership talents and on your personal direction in life and RYLA nominees have the opportunity to mix with other leaders their own age from a wide range of backgrounds, who like themselves, are enthusiastic about their leadership responsibilities and self development.

When & where is RYLA 2008?

Rotary District 9650 will conduct its RYLA Conference from the 12^th – 19^th April 2008. It will be held at the Bonny Hills Conference Centre, located just twenty minutes south of Port Macquarie. The venue is owned and operated by the Uniting Church.

What will it cost?

If you are nominated to be a participant in the RYLA programme, your sponsoring Rotary Club covers all of the costs associated with your attendance during the RYLA week. The cost covers all accommodation, meals and some external activities.

You will be required to arrange your own transport to Bonny Hills, however please note that RYLA is a week long commitment from you; a commitment to extending your leadership ability and as such, we do not allow any unauthorised departures once RYLA 2008 is underway.

What happens in the RYLA programme?

People who are nominated for an award (i.e. RYLA participants) link closely with their local Rotary Club. The Clubs take a keen interest in their nominees and often invite them to Rotary meetings as part of the process, to address the Clubs and describe their current roles in the community.

Professional trainers and leading presenters conduct the RYLA Conference. Many sessions are offered on a broad range of subjects crucial to your future leadership success. Topics include:

· Living your best image;

· Manners that Matter;

· Emotional Intelligence;

· Health & Wellbeing;

· Self Analysis;

· Goal Setting;

· Effective Communication;

· Public Speaking.

In addition to the indoor programme, there are many outdoor activities to motivate you and to help you develop effective team work.

RYLA enables you to:

- Exchange ideas, opinions and plans with talented, energetic people like you, in an atmosphere free from pressure and distraction;

- Develop a special rapport with your local Rotary Club, acquainting you with a leading service organisation and with decision makers in your community;

- Discover ways to become a better role model and assist today’s youth to more adequately face decisions on important social issues;

About Rotary

Rotary is one of the largest international service organisations, with over 31,000 clubs in 168 countries. It has more than 1.2 million members, who are dedicated to humanitarian service, high ethical standards in business and professional life and the promotion of world understanding and peace.

How do you get selected?

You may be approached by a Rotarian, or you may apply.

Applications are open to people aged between 18 & 25 years of age only, who ideally are in current leadership roles within the community. Those with leadership aspirations or experience may also apply.

The selection process is conducted by your local Rotary Club and requires you to complete a formal application and then to attend an interview. Importantly during this interview, you must demonstrate a commitment to developing your leadership abilities and to applying them for the benefit of your community.

For further information

- Contact your local Rotary Club or

- Visit http://d9650.rotarnet.com.au or

- Contact: Craig Swift-McNair (Chairperson, RYLA 2008) at swiftmcnair@ozemail.com.au or

- Contact: Ivana Agapiou (Secretary, RYLA 2008) at ivanatony@bigpond.com

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